Story by Gay Matambo
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing protection, dignity and socio-economic opportunities for displaced persons living in Zimbabwe.
The pledge was made during the 2026 World Refugee Day commemorations held at the Tongogara Refugee Settlement on Saturday, where stakeholders, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), gathered to celebrate the resilience of thousands of refugees residing at the settlement.
Refugee representatives commended Zimbabwe for its open-door policy, saying the country has provided safety and opportunities for displaced families to rebuild their lives.
“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Zimbabwe for opening its borders and hearts to us. By giving us peace, security, and a place to call home, they have given us a second chance at life. Here, we do not just survive, we are allowed to work, learn, and grow,” Youth Leader Burundi, Ms Ancilla Niyirema said.
A representative from the Democratic Republic of Congo said Zimbabwe’s approach has promoted self-reliance among refugees.
“Most refugee camps across the world are just places of temporary shelter, but the Zimbabwean government has treated us like its own citizens. Providing us with arable land to farm means they want us to be dignified and self-reliant. We thank the leadership for choosing empowerment over isolation,” Democratic Republic of Congo’s Mr Jojo Mukuta added.
Addressing refugees, community members and humanitarian partners, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, said Zimbabwe’s support for refugees is guided by regional solidarity and international humanitarian obligations.
“Zimbabwe remains a hospitable nation that respects its international obligations. Our support for our brothers and sisters who have fled conflict is not temporary; it is an active, ongoing commitment to ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and economic self-reliance.”
Government, working with development partners, also outlined plans to expand digital literacy and green energy initiatives within the settlement as part of efforts to reduce dependency on humanitarian assistance and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The initiatives are expected to strengthen economic independence and improve opportunities for refugees living at Tongogara Refugee Settlement.
