GOVT CHALLENGED TO STATE WHEN IT WILL START PROCESS OF NATURALIZING REFUGEES

By Patricia Male

The Zambian Civil Liberties Union -ZCLU- has challenged the government to clearly state when and how it will start the process of naturalizing refugees.

ZCLU Executive Director Isaac Mwanza says this is because the Zambian government in its pledges at the recently held global refugee forum in Geneva which was attended by Vice President Mutale Nalumngo showed little commitment to address the issue of refugees.

Mr. Mwanza has noted with concern that Zambia did not meet the expectations and agreements that were made at the national refugee forum held in Lusaka as evidenced by its pledges at the global refugee forum.

He has told Phoenix News that President Hakainde Hichilema and his regime should prioritize the naturalization of former refugees and open doors to refugees who qualify to become Zambian citizens because the legal framework already provides for such.

PHOENIX NEWS