News / National
Zimbabwe's asylum laws 'non-xenophobic'
24 Aug 2011 at 16:32hrs | Views
Zimbabwe's hospitable laws on asylum seekers have led to an influx of refugees mainly from the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa.
Since the beginning of the year, Zimbabwe has received around 5 000 refugees from various parts of the continent but the two regions have contributed the biggest number.
The increase has been attributed to the country's hospitable laws on asylum seekers.
In an interview with State media, the country representative to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Marcellin Hepie urged Zimbabwe together with its neighbouring countries to harmonise its immigration laws and find a common understanding to deal with the migratory situation from the Horn of Africa.
He said, "There is need for great cooperation between responsible authorities if the situation on refugees is to be addressed."
Mr. Epiye however commended Zimbabwe's hospitality towards asylum seekers and refugees although some are using it as transit to other countries.
"Zimbabwe is doing very well in accommodating these people given the fact that they sometimes come in great numbers," he said.
Zimbabwe receives between 50 and 75 new asylum-seekers each month from the Great Lakes region, notably the DRC.
Between 2009 and 2010, Zimbabwe hosted a total of 4,600 refugees and asylum seekers of that over 3,400 were living in Tongogara refugee camp, while others are scattered around the country.
Since the beginning of the year, Zimbabwe has received around 5 000 refugees from various parts of the continent but the two regions have contributed the biggest number.
The increase has been attributed to the country's hospitable laws on asylum seekers.
In an interview with State media, the country representative to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Marcellin Hepie urged Zimbabwe together with its neighbouring countries to harmonise its immigration laws and find a common understanding to deal with the migratory situation from the Horn of Africa.
He said, "There is need for great cooperation between responsible authorities if the situation on refugees is to be addressed."
Mr. Epiye however commended Zimbabwe's hospitality towards asylum seekers and refugees although some are using it as transit to other countries.
"Zimbabwe is doing very well in accommodating these people given the fact that they sometimes come in great numbers," he said.
Zimbabwe receives between 50 and 75 new asylum-seekers each month from the Great Lakes region, notably the DRC.
Between 2009 and 2010, Zimbabwe hosted a total of 4,600 refugees and asylum seekers of that over 3,400 were living in Tongogara refugee camp, while others are scattered around the country.
Source - zbc
