By CHARITY MOONGA
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GOVERNMENT has called for strong linkages to enhance the role of the media in protecting refugees.
Home Affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula said the role of the media in protecting refugees could not be overemphasised.
Dr Simbyakula said this in a speech read for him by Home Affairs Deputy Minister Nickson Chilangwa at the official opening of a two-day United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) workshop for journalists at Hotel InterContinental hotel yesterday.
The workshop dubbed ‘the media and other stakeholders are partners in protecting refugees,’ was attended by journalists from various media organisations and civil society organisations.
He urged the journalists to highlight the plight of refugees and other asylum seekers.
Dr Simbyakula said media coverage on humanitarian issues has not been in-depth and analytical.
‘‘There is need for the media to be consistent and proactive in reporting on humanitarian issues,’’ he said.
The minister said it was important to enhance partnerships with the media in highlighting the plight of the refugees.
He said this year, Government would hold refugee celebrations at Maheba Refugee Camp.
Earlier, UNHCR representative Laura Lo Castro said there was need to increase interest in refugee issues.
She said the UNHCR cherishes the role of the media as an ally in issues of refugees and that open dialogue with the media would go a long way in highlighting the issues affecting refugees.
Ms Lo Castro urged the media to portray the positive impact of refugees on society such as their positive impact on the growth of society as opposed to just highlighting negatives.
‘‘Do not portray refugees as threats but show them as access for development and people who can assist in the growth of society. There is so much more that could be said about refugees,’’ she said.
She said there was need for the media and society to understand that being a refugee was a right.
Ms Lo Castro commended Government for the role itcontinued to play in improving the quality of lives of refugees and other asylum seekers in Zambia.
