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Zimbabwe's refugee population to rise to 18,000 by year-end
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Zimbabwe's refugee population is projected to reach 18,000 by December 2025, driven by the country's continued political stability and peaceful environment, government officials have revealed.
Speaking ahead of World Refugee Day, which will be commemorated this Friday at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Manicaland Province, Deputy Minister of Labour and Public Service Mercy Dinha said the country currently hosts an estimated 17,200 refugees.
"The national influx trend also projects a continual increase in the refugee population, with an expected number of 18,000 refugees by December," said Dinha.
Zimbabwe remains a safe haven in the region and has maintained a long-standing policy of refugee protection through a settlement system, in line with the reservations made during its ratification of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Most refugees reside at Tongogara Refugee Camp, although a few professionals and businesspeople have been granted special permission to live and work outside the camp.
The majority of refugees currently in Zimbabwe originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), making up 76% of the total refugee population. They are followed by refugees from Mozambique, who account for 11%, with smaller numbers from Burundi, Rwanda, and other countries.
To promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods, the government has allocated approximately 175 hectares of irrigable land to refugee households at Tongogara. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve food security and reduce dependency on humanitarian aid.
Deputy Minister Dinha noted that the ministry works closely with international partners such as the United Nations, World Vision, and other developmental agencies to strengthen services for refugees, including healthcare, education, and skills development.
This year's World Refugee Day will be observed under the theme "Solidarity with Refugees," highlighting the need for unity, compassion, and support for people who have been forced to flee their countries due to conflict, persecution, and instability.
Zimbabwe's continued commitment to upholding refugee rights and integrating them into local communities underscores the country's regional role in humanitarian support and multilateral cooperation.
Speaking ahead of World Refugee Day, which will be commemorated this Friday at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Manicaland Province, Deputy Minister of Labour and Public Service Mercy Dinha said the country currently hosts an estimated 17,200 refugees.
"The national influx trend also projects a continual increase in the refugee population, with an expected number of 18,000 refugees by December," said Dinha.
Zimbabwe remains a safe haven in the region and has maintained a long-standing policy of refugee protection through a settlement system, in line with the reservations made during its ratification of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Most refugees reside at Tongogara Refugee Camp, although a few professionals and businesspeople have been granted special permission to live and work outside the camp.
The majority of refugees currently in Zimbabwe originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), making up 76% of the total refugee population. They are followed by refugees from Mozambique, who account for 11%, with smaller numbers from Burundi, Rwanda, and other countries.
To promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods, the government has allocated approximately 175 hectares of irrigable land to refugee households at Tongogara. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve food security and reduce dependency on humanitarian aid.
Deputy Minister Dinha noted that the ministry works closely with international partners such as the United Nations, World Vision, and other developmental agencies to strengthen services for refugees, including healthcare, education, and skills development.
This year's World Refugee Day will be observed under the theme "Solidarity with Refugees," highlighting the need for unity, compassion, and support for people who have been forced to flee their countries due to conflict, persecution, and instability.
Zimbabwe's continued commitment to upholding refugee rights and integrating them into local communities underscores the country's regional role in humanitarian support and multilateral cooperation.
Source - NewZimbabwe
