Luanda, ANGOLA, June 20 - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has acknowledged Angola’s role in protecting the refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), based in the eastern Lunda Norte province. ,

 

The recognition came from the UNHCR representative in Angola, Philippa Candler, during a meeting with the president of the 10th Commission on Human Rights, Petitions, Complaints and Suggestions of the Citizens of the National Assembly, Raúl Danda held on Wednesday in Luanda.

 

Official data indicate that until March this year, the Lóvua-based refugee settlement center in Lunda Norte controlled 35,000 displaced persons from DRC, of ​​whom 77 percent were women.

 

Philippa Candler did not present any statistics, but said that part of this population is returning to the country of origin.

 

She added that at the moment there are between 22,000 and 23,000 people, who are benefitting from good assistance.

 

On the other hand, the official regretted that the institution had raised only eight percent of the more than USD 63 million needed at the time to assist the refugees.

 

She considered the above value as scant to meet all expenses. The amount was not enough to cover the many pressing needs of refugees, she said.

 

At the meeting, the official raised concerns such as Angola's non-ratification of Law 10/15 of 17 July on refugees, cases of refugees without and some with expired documentation.

 

This includes those who need commercial licenses to perform trade activity and the situation of stateless persons.

 

The concern will be forwarded to the head of Executive in order to improve the life of refugees”,  Raúl Danda told the press.

 

The audience coincided with the World Refugees Day, June 20.

 

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