Refugees safe in Zimbabwe says Govt

The government says it is committed to fulfilling its international obligation to ensure social protection for refugees and asylum seekers staying in the country.

Zimbabwe is hosting a total of 10 823 refuges and asylum seekers and has pledged to follow international laws and the Zimbabwe Refugees Act to ensure refugees have access to social protection.

Addressing delegates attending this year's International Day of Social Workers in Harare, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Prisca Mupfumira said government appreciates financial and material assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other stakeholders.

She, however, said extreme weather conditions and economic recession being experienced in the world affects efforts to protect the vulnerable.

Mupfumira urged other stakeholders to support vulnerable groups to compliment government efforts adding that social workers should be dynamic to keep pace with changes in the society.

Social Workers Association president Dr Aaron Zinyanya commended government for promoting the interests of the vulnerable, adding that his organisation is crafting a volunteer programme to compliment government efforts.

This year's social workers commemoration is running under the theme: 'Promoting the Dignity and Worth of People Focusing on Refugees and Displaced Persons'.

Zimbabwe is a signatory to the 1969 Organisation of African Unity Convention governing specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa.