Red Cross lobbies for refugees

BY SANDRA MACHIMA THE Zambia Red cross is lobbying for support and awareness on the refugee crisis that has hit Zambia, with the country receiving asylum seekers from neighbouring countries on a daily basis.

Zambia's Red Cross National President Ambassador Godfrey Simasiku lobbied for more support and awareness on the Refugee Crisis in Zambia.

He said the refugee figure was now standing at 6,493 with 2.066 households.

Ambassador Simasiku thanked the International Federation of the Red Cross for their immediate support under "Disaster Response Emergency Fund.”

He paid tribute to Kenya Red Cross for the rescue programme followed by Netherlands Red Cross on various support programs including commercial first aid.

So far over 5000 refugees crossing from DRC into neighbouring Zambia have been hosted temporarily at the Kenani transit center, close to the border.

The refugees were receiving assistance from the UNHCR and partners.