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German government commits 700,000 Euro to refugee response in Zambia and Angola
The German government has committed 700,000 Euro to UNHCR for 2018, and the money has been earmarked for the refugee emergency response in Angola and Zambia.
A delegation from the German Embassy visited the Kenani Refugee Transit Centre in Nchelenge, Luapula province in Zambia on November 30 to hand over relief supplies to refugees worth 50,000 Euro.
This included mosquito nets, solar lamps, chitenge, children’s clothes and soccer balls.
Additionally, 150 soccer balls were donated to the hosting communities in appreciation of their hospitality and willingness to help in face of the humanitarian challenges unfolding in the north of the country.
The 50,000 Euro worth of donations also coincides with the committed 700,000 Euro to UNHCR.
The handover ceremony of the donations was attended by representatives from the refugee community as well as the UNHCR field team, the District Commissioner and the Council Chairman.
The Nchelenge District Commissioner thanked the German Embassy for the donation.
He said: “As a refugee-hosting district, we wish to applaud your gesture, which has recognised the need to support both the refugees and the Zambian community.”
In terms of the donor community at large, he went on to highlight: “As we assist the refugees, let’s also look at the host community, who also require various services. Such an approach will ensure there is continued harmony between the refugees and the Zambians in the surrounding community.”
The Zambian government and the UNHCR stressed the unmet financial needs to ensure appropriate care and support to the refugees.
Until now, less than a quarter of the financial requirements have been covered. Germany is the first bilateral partner to provide humanitarian relief supplies in face of the current influx of refugees from the DRC
In light of this situation, the German government has committed another 700,000 Euro to UNHCR for 2018.
The money is earmarked for the refugee emergency response in Angola and Zambia.
German Ambassador Achim Burkart commented: “Zambia and Germany share the common experience of welcoming refugees fleeing from conflict into our respective countries.
My government is familiar with the logistical, financial and integrational challenges and I am therefore very glad to announce that the German Government has committed 700,000 Euro to the UNHCR refugee response in Zambia and Angola in 2018.”
