Livingstone, Zambia, March 25, 2019: A Four days training on Law and policy training on African Humanitarian Architecture has commenced in Livingstone, Republic of Zambia, in line with the African Union theme for 2019, “The Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons:Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa”.

Declaring the meeting open on behalf of H.E. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Mr. Olabisi Dare, Head of Humanitarian and Refugees, Returnees Displaced Person Division said the training was jointly established in December 2016 by the African Union Commission and the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) also known as “The Livingstone syllabus”.

Mr. Dare said the course is tailored for African policy makers and civil servants to deepen their understanding of international and regional instruments in order to achieve effective protection of and assistance to forcibly displaced persons, through improved understanding and effective implementation of legal and policy provisions contained in relevant international and AU instruments.

He said the year 2019 also marks the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the 1969 OAU Convention Governing Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa (OAU Convention), as well as the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of the 2009 AU Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention).

“We at the AU are confident that together we can achieve the desired change in tackling humanitarian crises, through a new approach that lays emphasis on tackling root causes and achieving durable solutions as big steps towards a more peaceful and stable continent- The Africa We want’’.

Speaking on behalf of H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of Equatorial Guinea and the Champion of the theme of the Year, Mrs Magdalena Nfono representating the Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in Ethiopia, said the situation of Refugees, IDPs and returnees in Africa requires sincere and coordinated efforts.

“While we are collectively striving for free movement of persons in Africa, we must ensure it is regulated and safe as Refugees, Returnees and the IDPs, especially children are among the most vulnerable groups in the society that require special protection in every aspect of their life”, she said.

In his remarks, Mr Cosmas Chanda, UNHCR Representative to the AU said since its inception, the course has registered great success and hailed as an important pillar in AU’s quest to improve humanitarian action on the continent.

Mr Chanda said since its inception in 2016, a total of 550 Senior Government Officials, AU and RECs staff, policy makers, the media and civil society have been trained.

He said that in order to further strengthen and enhance the intended impact of this course, UNHCR will continue to support the AU and Member States in conducting the course.

Declaring the meeting open on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Fabia Mureya, Principal refugee Officer, Legal and Local Migration, Ministry of Home Affairs of Zambia, said the Country is hosting about 80,000 refugees, former refugees and asylum seekers from neighboring countries and beyond.

He said Zambian Government has in 2017, established Mantapala Refugee Settlement where more than 13,000 Congolese refugees are settled among the local population of 5,000 inhabitants, sharing the social amenities and other facilities.

The training draws participants from all Member States, the Academia, Civil society and the Media.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Yusuf Muhammed | Knowledge Management and Communications Officer
Department of Political Affairs | Mohammedy@africa-union.org | Tel: +2511155177 00

For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@africa-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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