ALEINIKOFF

By NAKUBIANA SHABONGO-
THE United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, Alexander Aleinikoff, is expected in the country tomorrow for an official visit.
Mr Aleinikof, the second in command in UNHCR’s global operations, which is led by the High Commissioner António Guterres, is scheduled to hold consultative meetings with senior Government officials.
While in Zambia, he will also meet members of the Diplomatic Corps, UN agencies and later visit Maheba Refugee Settlement.
The visit is to follow-up on the implementation of the Strategic Framework for the Local Integration of former refugees in Zambia.
The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees’ visit comes at a time the Government and the UNHCR are vigorously pursuing the programme of local integration for some former refugees who are seeking to remain in Zambia, given their long stay in the country and the ties which have been forged.
UNHCR representative in Zambia, Laura Lo Castro, described the visit of Mr Aleinikof as a clear sign of the UNHCR’s appreciation of Zambia’s long standing and exemplary record in hosting refugees.
Ms Lo Castro said it was also a signal of the importance her office attaches to the search for durable solutions, especially in light of the invocation of the cessation clause for Angolan and Rwandan refugees on June  30, 2012 and , 31 2013 respectively.
Zambia currently hosts 54,046 refugees and others of concern, in two refugee settlements, urban areas and self-settled.