Lesotho has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Refugees Day in the capital Maseru. The 10th commemoration was attended by Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lineo Molise-Mabusela.
Speaking at the event, Molise-Mabusela assured refugees that the government was committed to both the 1951 UN and the Organisation of African Union (OAU) conventions governing the specific aspects of refugees problems in Africa.
“The fact that the government has today invited over 60 families to come together is an indication that Lesotho and its people acknowledge refugees,” she said.
Echoing these sentiments, UN World Food Programme Country Director and Representative here, Bhim Udas, said circumstances in which refugees live are difficult but commended the government for its support.
He stated that even when fellow Africans in South Africa were under apartheid regime, Lesotho extended support to them.
Udas encouraged refugees living in Lesotho to respect the laws of the country so that they can live peacefully with the locals.
On behalf of refugees, Ugandan refugee Godfrey Lwanga Sserwanga, thanked the government and United Nations agencies for their support.
Citing their problems in Lesotho, he said many of them have lived in the country for more than 10 years, and yet they struggle so much to be granted citizenship.
World Refugees Day is commemorated annually to raise awareness and make the community aware of them.
Source African Press Agency
African News from NetNewsPublisher.com
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