adminAddressing refugees at Tongogara refugee camp in Chipinge last Thursday at the belated World Refugee Day, Labour and Social Services Minister Paurina Mpariwa, said refugee life could not continue forever.
The call comes amid revelations that many Rwandan refugees were reluctant to return home fearing the 1994 genocide.
This despite the fact that earlier this year, Rwandan government officials visited Tongogara and assured the refugees that their home country was now safe.
“You would agree with me that there is no place like home and refugee life cannot continue forever.
“Over the years Zimbabwean Government in collaboration with United Nation high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) have made tremendous effort in finding solutions to refugee problems,” she said.
Minister Mpariwa said Zimbabwe with other regional blocks have noted with great concern the animosity and instability, which include violent attacks on government officials and humanitarian workers in search of insecurity claim that would warrant resettlement.
“Considering the minimal impact of resettlement to refugee problems and the havoc it has created in the management of the refugee programmes, Zimbabwe is seriously considering the suspension of the programme.
“Together let us rejoice in the spirit of hard work and unity of purpose, which has been displayed by both refugees and those in humanitarian work.
“I also want to commend Tongogara Primary School for excelling well in the 2010 grade seven exams as it being ranked 11 out of 127 in Chipinge district.
“With such success stories, we can proudly say refugees in Zimbabwe have hope,” she added.
UNHCR country representative, Mr Marcelline Hepie, said more than a quarter of the 5 000 refugees in Zimbabwe originated from the great lakes region and the majority were not willing to return home.
“Rwanda is the only country insisting on the return of all its citizens before the cessation clause befalls on them by the end of the year,” he said.
“Following a high level delegation from Rwanda to Zimbabwe to sensitise their citizens on voluntary repatriation, the community is in the process of setting up a commission to join UNHCR and Zimbabwe for a “go and see” visit to Rwanda to ascertain on the conditions of voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity,” he said.
Mr Hepie said despite economic challenges in Zimbabwe brought by illegal sanctions, the country had not closed its borders to asylum seekers, a gesture he said was rare in many countries.
World refugee day is held annually on June 20.
Online Reporter