By Staff Reporter
GOVERNMENT has through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) contributed 4,400 metric tonnes of maize grain, to meet the food needs of refugees living at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge.
The donation comes at a time when funding for refugees is limited and follows the commitment made by President Emerson Mnangagwa, in response to the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres call for pledges towards humanitarian assistance.
Speaking during a press conference recently, labour and social welfare permanent secretary Simon Masanga said this showed that the government walks the talk.
“Zimbabwe is committed to fulfil its international obligation to protect refugees and asylum seekers. This in-kind contribution is a clear sign that the country walks the talk. The Government appreciates the partnership with the World Food Programme in ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers domiciled in Zimbabwe are food secure,” Masanga said.
WFP will cover transport costs, storage, handling, milling and fortification of the maize with funds from international donors and the first batch of 2,170 mt will be uplifted in the coming weeks.
WFP Representative and Country Director in Zimbabwe Francesca Erdelmann also said no refugee is discriminated against getting food no matter what made them leave.
“No matter the circumstances that have pushed refugees to flee their countries, we serve them without discrimination and ensure that they are able to put food on their tables.
“Around the world refugees are living longer away from home, more than ever before, so we are heartened to see that countries like Zimbabwe are putting forward solutions and working to ensure that refugees have a better life,” Erdelmann said.
Zimbabwe has shown continued solidarity towards refugees, hosting families who have been forced to leave their countries since 1984.
Initially established to serve refugees fleeing the Mozambique civil war, Tongogara Refugee Camp is today home to people affected by conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northern Mozambique, and other countries.
