JRS in Zambia

Refugees in Zambia

Refugee Problems

Meheba

Nangweshi

Northern

Peace Centre

Policy

Policy

Working on cases of detainees

Workshop in Chinyingi

Workshop in Mongu

Guide for Refugees in Lusaka
(PDF file - 749KB)

Pastoral Letter of the Zambian Episcopal Conference
(PDF file - 240KB)

Policy Programme

The Government of Zambia has a refugee policy of open borders combined with heavy restrictions on fundamental human rights of the refugees (freedom of movement, right to work, right to own property, right to a nationality for refugee children). This policy may be adequate in the early stages of refugee life, but it makes local integration as a durable solution impossible. Some Zambian hosted refugees have been in the country for over 20 years and yet their legal rights and opportunities have not ameliorated since the day of their arrival.

Some elements of the mass media continue to develop a xenophobic campaign against refugees and asylum seekers. This campaign fosters further segregation of refugees and threatens Zambia’s openness to asylum seekers.

The United Nations system (UNHCR, WFP) is in charge of assistance to refugees in Zambia. Shortage of funds, logistic and other problems have produced several humanitarian crises during the last years. Elementary economic and social rights have been occasionally denied to part of the refugee population, resulting sometimes in riots in some refugee locations.

JRS Advocacy Answer

The Policy Programme develops the advocacy mission of JRS in Zambia at the national level. It intends to promote hospitality for new arrivals, adequate attention to the needs of those in camps and settlements, and opportunities for local integration should the refugee situation perdure. When necessary, the programme intervenes directly in the defence of rights of the refugees and asylum seekers.

JRS is the only refugee-specialised NGO with a programme this kind in Zambia. We try to act as a catalyst that helps local civic society organizations to enter the refugee field. We provide them with information, training, advice, co- ordination and acompaniment in their commitment in favour of refugees and asylum seekers. We expect more results from the capacity-building and further involvement of local agencies than from our own direct action.

The main initiatives of the Policy Programme are:

• The Christian Initiative for Refugees in Prison, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Lusaka Refugee Desk.
• The Policy Committee, with the participation of some twelve local agencies.
• Refugee Preparedness Training Program for Church and other local officers, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services.
• The newsletter "Press Review on Refugee Issues in Zambia", an analysis of the media addressed to Church officers all over Zambia. Bi-monthly.
• The "Guides for Refugees", leaflets with detailed information addressed to refugees and to all those who want to help them.
• Advocacy on especially serious cases and situations.
• Research on legal issues affecting refugees in Zambia and proposal for legislation reform.
• Networking in the Zambian NGO field. Support to other agencies wanting to start programs for refugees in urban areas.