-plead for high school
ASHER MOYO
TONGOGARA–Rwandan nationals at Tongogara Refugee Camp have sent an SOS to the Government to give them Zimbabwean citizenships as they prefer to be permanent residents of this country.
In a speech read by Kibumba Siera Negro who was representing the refugee community during the International Refugee Day celebrations at Tongogara Camp, said they are affected by the Cessation Clause.
“As I stand before you on behalf of the Tongogara Refugee Community, I wish to express our gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe for opening its doors to refugees, for giving us protection, and for allowing and supporting youth-led initiatives to thrive and be part of our community’s development.
“What gives us hope is the sense of belonging and the ability to rebuild our lives. Hope away from home is true when we are given the means and support to rebuild our lives and thrive in dignity.
“The Rwandese are affected by the Cessation Clause. The reports by the representatives who went on a “Go and See, Come and Tell Back” Mission were negative and the refugees from Rwanda are not feeling safe to go home. We ask the government to consider a decision that allows refugees from Rwanda to stay permanently in Zimbabwe as citizens,” he said.
Negro said while the refugee community is grateful for all that the government has done, they are requesting the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to look into more durable solutions for the refugees in Zimbabwe.
“We are honoured to mark the World Refugee Day under the theme, “Hope Away from Home: A world where refuges are always included”, a theme dedicated to solutions for refugees through the power of inclusion.
“We ask the humanitarian organizations and the authority to improve the provision of water, increase public lights for some sections and improving health facilities. Whilst we are very grateful that a lot of Refugees are being resettled to first world countries, we also kindly request UNHCR to look into more durable solutions for the refugees in Zimbabwe,” he said.
He also pleaded with the government to build an Advanced Level classroom block at St Michael Secondary School for the refugees.
“Our hearts are disturbed by the failure to support students to proceed to Advanced Level. We are therefore asking for an A ‘Level block at St Michael Secondary School and to provide it with qualified teachers, furniture, and equipment for pupils to be able to complete their secondary studies at the camp,” he said.
He also pleaded with the government to assist people without refugee status to get their documents in order.
“While the Tongogara Refugee Community appreciates the generosity and the commitment of the Government of Zimbabwe in rebuilding refugees’ lives, it is unfortunate that other people do not benefit from some of these crucial basic human rights facilities available.
“We are pleading for assistance to families with no refugee status. These people are highly vulnerable, and they are living in uncertainty because they are not entitled to basic means of income, their children cannot proceed to higher learning amongst other challenges they face,” he added.
Tongogara refugee camp has a population of over 15000 inmates. Rwanda nationals at the camp are more than 600. Democratic Republic of Congo nationals constitute 74% of the population. Mozambique and Burundi nationals are also part of the refugee population at the Tongogara Refugee Camp.
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