The Vatican Ambassador to Zambia Appeals for Support for Refugees in Zambia

NCHELENGE, Tuesday, 06-02-2018. The Vatican Ambassador to Zambia has called upon the International Community to assist thousands of Refugees currently settled at Kenani Refugee Settlement in Nchelenge district. He has further praised the UNHCR in Zambia for rendering support, generosity and humanity towards refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“The Catholic Church in Zambia is deeply grateful to UNHCR in Zambia for their generosity and humanity towards the victims of the conflict. I urge the international community to give this crisis the attention it deserves and come to the aid of refugees especially women and children in meeting the most basic necessities of their survival,” said His Excellency Archbishop Julio Murat, Vatican Ambassador to Zambia. “The work of UNHCR in Zambia is one of solidarity with refugees and the Vatican is thankful to the Zambian Government for giving UNHCR space to operate.”

The Vatican Envoy to Zambia has also assured the over 14,633 refugees at Kenani and Mantapala Refugee Settlements that the Catholic Church in Zambia will always stand by them and support their plight.

UNHCR Country Representative Ms. Pierrine Aylara added that UNHCR does not have enough funds to provide in full for the survival of many refugees in Zambia.

“We are currently relying on pledges from well-wishers. This means that most families will go without sufficient food; children unable to get medical treatment and young girls will be vulnerable to early marriage if support is not given,” said Pierrine Aylara, UNHCR Country Representative. This call was made when the Vatican Ambassador to Zambia visited Kenani Refugee Settlement and offered Mass for the14, 540 Refugees.

For more information on this topic, please contact:

In Lusaka: Kelvin Shimoh, UNHCR Zambia Public Information Associate, shimo@unhcr.org In Nchelenge: Bruce Mulenga, mulenga@unhcr.org (Reporting Associate)