LUSAKA, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government has expressed concern over the continued decline in donor funding for refugee programs in the country.

While acknowledging the progress made in improving the welfare of refugees, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu said on Wednesday that the government is grappling with increasing challenges, primarily due to the dwindling financial support from international donors.

This trend is adversely affecting the scope and effectiveness of refugee support initiatives, he said.

"This constrains critical areas such as service delivery, infrastructure development, and livelihood opportunities for both refugees and host communities," Mwiimbu told an event marking the World Refugee Day, which falls each year on June 20.

The minister emphasized the urgent need for increased, predictable, and sustainable funding to scale up Zambia's inclusive refugee response and to maintain and expand existing services.

Despite the funding challenges, Mwiimbu said, the government remains committed to protection and support for individuals forced to flee their countries due to conflict, persecution, or other crises.

This commitment has been strengthened through the adoption of the National Refugee Policy in 2023, which outlines Zambia's vision for refugee protection, inclusion, and resilience, the minister said.

In addition, he said, the government is undertaking key legal reforms to harmonize laws affecting refugees, with the aim of creating a more enabling and rights-based legal environment.

These reforms, he noted, are intended to address legal gaps and enhance accountability and the rights of refugees.

Preeta Law, the country representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), commended Zambia for its inclusive policies that have benefited over 110,000 asylum-seekers, refugees, and former refugees.

She noted a positive shift in Zambia's approach from short-term humanitarian assistance to long-term development strategies that promote inclusion, resilience, and self-reliance among refugee populations.

However, Law said, refugees in Zambia still face "invisible barriers" that limit their full potential, including restrictions on movement and access to opportunities.

"If we are serious, we must dismantle these invisible barriers so that refugees can access tertiary education, compete for jobs, move freely, and fully contribute to Zambia," she said. Enditem