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Daniel Chigunwe Herald Correspondent
Government is committed towards strengthening the participation of refugees and asylum seekers in sport and cultural programmes to create a more conducive environment that fosters acceptance and a sense of belonging, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has said.
Zimbabwe is participating at the 2nd Global Refugee Forum currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland where Minister Kazembe addressed delegates on the Government’s position towards the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in sport and cultural programmes.
Held after every four years, the forum is the largest global gathering on refugees intended to support the practical implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR).
“Over the past three years, Zimbabwe has created an enabling environment for refugee youth. They have formed competitive teams that are participating in national sport codes such as soccer, judo, karate, volleyball, darts, chess and basketball.
“For example, the Tongogara United Football Club is registered with the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) and is playing in Division 2 while the judo team is participating at national and regional tournaments coordinated by the Judo Association of Zimbabwe (JAZ),” said Minister Kazembe.
He also highlighted the unifying nature of sport and cultural activities among refugees and how this instils a sense of belonging and identity. “Indeed, sport programmes have the power to unite people across cultures and nationalities. Through team sports, refugees have been interacting with local communities thereby promoting social cohesion critical for peaceful coexistence.
Additionally, cultural programmes and events have allowed refugees to showcase their rich traditions and heritage, enriching Zimbabwean society with cultural diversity.
“Sport and cultural programmes are a vehicle for community transformation. They build resilience and positive coping mechanisms against existential threats to the youth such as drug and substance abuse, early marriages and other social ills and related challenges.”
Minister Kazembe further revealed that Zimbabwe intends to implement a raft of measures meant to reinforce the inclusion of refugees in sport and cultural activities which includes the establishment of sporting facilities at the Tongogara Refugee Settlement.
“Partnerships are therefore, critical for the sustainability of sport and cultural programmes and Zimbabwe, as a host country, is open to strengthening collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders to mobilise more resources towards the pledge within the context of burden and responsibility sharing as espoused in the Global Compact on Refugees.”
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