“UNHCR wants immigration officers probed for alleged harassment and bribe solicitations from Rwandese refugees”
… As Aylara says information on her table shows that the situation for the Rwandan refugees in Zambia is becoming unbearable
Lusaka (20-01-22) – The UNHCR has asked the Zambian government to investigate complaints of mistreatment former Rwandese Refugees are receiving from the Zambia Immigration department.
UNHCR country representative Pierrine Aylara said in a letter addressed to the chief immigration officer dated January 19th, 2022 that information on his table shows that the situation for the Rwandan refugees in Zambia is becoming unbearable.
Aylara indicated that Rwandan refugees are being subjected to constant harassment, raids, and solicitation of bribes by immigration officers.
A fortnight ago, Jean Claude Ntihabose, a Former and Current Rwanda Refugees Association in Zambia spokesperson informed the public through the media that there is an ongoing well-coordinated, and growing harassment of his people followed by arrests and detentions in jail targeting especially former Rwandese Refugees who are currently living in Zambia with a “Temporary Permanent Resident” status.
Meanwhile the UNCHR observed that some Immigration officers are accused of conspiring to extort money from other current Rwandese Refugees.
She said the complaints by the Rwandan refugees are that their shops are being looted and some are being killed by some unknown gunmen making it impossible for them to enjoy their life.
She reminded the chief immigration officer that such treatment to asylum seekers and refugees offends the international refugee laws created to assist and offer protection to refugees and other asylum seekers.
She recalled that the International refugee law provides for nondiscrimination for refugees, asylum seekers based on origin, race, tribe, and religion.
Given the foregoing, the UNHCR is ready to engage the Zambian government and provide additional information on the unfolding situation and events.
She asked the government to undertake thorough investigations on all the complaints raised by the Rwandan refugees against the immigration officers.
She further asked the Zambian government to ensure that the immigration officers are made aware of the refugees act as well as the obligations Zambia had towards refugees and asylum seekers.
Prior to this, Jean Serge Mandela, celebrating 25 years in Zambia ad a rwandese refugee, appealed to Zambia President, HH, to ease the issuance of permanent residence to refugees who have locked 5 years in Zambia.
