26 illegal  migrants died in transit-Kalaba

Sun, 18 Dec 2016 11:02:59 +0000

By Mailesi Banda

 ABOUT 26 illegal migrants have died this year alone due to suffocation, road accidents and diseases while in transit via Zambia to countries of their destinations, says Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba.

Mr Kalaba said the migrants faced hardships and human rights violation while in transit.

He was speaking during the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the International Day of Migration and the launch of the Global film festival in Lusaka.

Mr. Kalaba said the commemorations of the day which falls today, December 18, was an opportunity to reflect on the contribution that migrants make to where they move.

“International migrant’s day presents an opportunity to reflect on the real positive impact of migration and diversity throughout the world but also on those that have died while embarking on these sometimes dangerous journeys,” he said.

He explained that Zambia had played host to many refugees from neighboring countries and beyond, and that the country had continued to experience various migration flows from, to and through its territory.

Mr Kalaba explained that the migrants were mixed and comprised economic migrants, asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking.

He commended the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for its commitment to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefitted migrants and society.

The minister pledged Government’s commitment in ensuring that vulnerable people were protected.

He explained that this has been done by the enactment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Policy in 2007 and its related Act in 2008.

And the United Nations resident coordinator, Janet Rogan said vulnerable groups, including refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants needed to be empowered.

Meanwhile, the chief of mission of the IOM, Abibatou Wane said Southern Africa was characterised by high mobility and was often used as the staging ground for regular and irregular migration to Europe and America.