By CHIDA SAKALA –

THE United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has pledged to assist refugees who were affected by the recent xenophobic attacks and looting of foreign-owned shops that sprung up in most parts of Lusaka.
UNHCR Representative Laura Lo Castro said that assistance through the agency’s implementing partner, Action Africa Help International Organisation, would assist those affected and vulnerable refugees in Lusaka.
She said while UNHCR was not in a position to compensate all refugees affected by the xenophobic attacks, the agency would offer assistance either by giving out loans or grants to the most vulnerable.
“Through the Action Africa Help international organisation, we are looking into helping the most affected and vulnerable refugees in Lusaka with loans or grants so that they can restore their lives,” she said.
And leader of the refugee community in Zambia Emile Hatungimana demanded compensation for refugees that were affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in Lusaka from stakeholders and organisations concerned with refugee matters.
“Many are the victims and so far none is talking about compensation to start rebuilding their livelihoods again. I am appealing for help to all stakeholders in refugee matters to come to the aid of victims of looting,” he said.
Mr Hatungimana, however, thanked various sections of Zambian society such as the Saint Ignatious Church of Lusaka that offered sanctuary to refugees and other foreigners during the xenophobic attacks.
He praised the Zambian Government for introducing the local integration programme for Angolans and Rwandese and called on the Government to fast-track the programme to achieve a massive reduction of refugee population in Zambia.