By Lumbiwe Mwanza
It is commendable that the Government has finally launched the first ever National Refugee Policy that would create an inclusive environment for all citizens, Rhoma foreign relations institute (Rhoma Institute) Executive director Lengwe Bwalya has said.
Recently, the Government launched the first ever National Refugee Policy with an assurance that challenges that refugees faced would now be resolved.
Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Bwalya said that for a very long time stakeholders have been calling for the implementation of a law that would help the integration of refugees in Zambian society.
He said that Zambians have had a good reputation of embracing refugees unlike other countries which was a plus that finally, the long awaited National Refugee Policy had been launched.
“It is commendable that the Government has heeded to the calls from various stakeholders for Zambia to have a refugee policy. This policy would help provide solutions to many problems refugees and asylum seekers face in Zambia. This policy would bring about many positives in terms of integrating refugees in society and their contribution to Zambia.
“This progress in the launch of the policy shows how committed Zambia was to allow refugees to integrate and contribute to society,” Mr. Bwalya said.
He added that the policy was in the right direction as it would make Zambia an inclusive society where everyone would co-exist adding Zambia’s Foreign Policy as a key factor in the country’s economic and diplomatic development agenda.
He attributed the country’s positive developmental trajectory to the effectiveness of President Hakainde Hichilema’s engagement at local, regional, and international levels.
He said that the current Government had been effective and efficient in mobilising human resources, capital, and technology to spur national development.
He noted that the country’s Foreign Policy transition since the UPND Government took over office in August 2021 had enhanced economic diplomacy.