Work towards ending wars, UN members told
ZIMBABWE has urged United Nations (UN) members to collectively work towards ending wars and managing conflicts with a view to reduce the number of refugees who flee their countries.
Speaking at the 69th session of the executive committee of the programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Switzerland on Tuesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Sekai Nzenza said the number of refugees was fast on the increase.
At least 68,5 million people worldwide have been forced out of their homes, of which 25,4 of them are refugees.
Although UNHRC was commendably taking care of the refugees, Minister Nzenza said wars was the root cause and it must be addressed.
“As members of the UN, we ought to invest in actions to end wards and conflicts. Clearly, the increasing number of refugees is not a desirable indicator insofar as sustainable development is concerned.
“Instead, it shows our collective failure in ending wars and providing peaceful environments,” said Minister Nzenza.
Minister Nzenza was addressing the gathering for the first time since Zimbabwe’s admission into the UNHCR executive committee in April this year.
She said Zimbabwe was ready to play its role in talking care of refugees.
“I wish to assure the Executive Committee, that the new political dispensation in Zimbabwe is geared towards playing its role in international protection by providing for the refugees in the country, working UNHCR and other partners.
“To this end, my Government is considering implementation of some durable solutions including integration and access to the labour market,” said Minister Nzenza.
Minister Nzenza said Zimbabwe, though it hosts a small refugee population, abides by its international obligations to take care of them.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to promote and safeguard the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. Special attention is given to the women, elderly and children in these categories,” she said.
UNHCR hailed Zimbabwe for its commitment to supporting over 13 000 refugees in Zimbabwe, most of them at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge.