Government reaffirms support for refugees

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting, promoting and upholding human rights for both Tanzanian citizens and refugees living in the country, while maintaining peace, security and national stability.

The assurance was given by the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Patrobas Katambi, during the commemoration of World Refugee Day held in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. The annual event, observed on June 20, was marked under the theme: “Until Everyone is Safe.”

Addressing refugees residing in Dar es Salaam who represented their fellow refugees from different parts of the country, Mr Katambi said Tanzania will continue drawing lessons from countries affected by conflict and instability while strengthening peace, unity and social cohesion at home.

He said the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan remains committed to supporting refugees and ensuring they live in a safe and secure environment. “It is President Samia’s directive that our refugee brothers and sisters hosted in Tanzania continue receiving the necessary support. Even where additional resources are required, the government will not hesitate to use its capacity to ensure they continue living in peace and stability,” Mr Katambi said.

He noted that, alongside support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other development partners, the government has continued to bridge resource gaps whenever necessary to sustain essential services.

Mr Katambi commended refugees for sharing their experiences and the circumstances that forced them to flee their home countries, saying their testimonies offer valuable lessons for Tanzania.

“We value our refugee brothers and sisters. You have shared valuable experiences, real-life examples and important lessons about factors that contribute to instability and conflict in different countries. As a nation, we continue to learn from these experiences so that similar situations do not arise in Tanzania,” he said.

According to the minister, refugees’ experiences demonstrate the consequences of poor governance and social divisions, which often undermine peace, stability and development.

He cited corruption, embezzlement of public resources, tax evasion, money laundering, economic crimes, incitement to violence and religious, ethnic and regional discrimination among factors that have fuelled instability in various countries.

Other causes, he said, include abuse of power, organised crime, political unrest, gender-based violence and actions that threaten national unity and security.

Mr Katambi stressed that the government, guided by the 1977 Constitution and supported by state institutions, including Parliament, the Judiciary and security organs, will continue safeguarding human rights, upholding the rule of law and protecting the interests of all people living in the country.

“Under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, and working together with Parliament, the Judiciary and security institutions, we will continue to uphold human rights, the rule of law and the interests of all citizens, as well as refugees residing in the country,” he said.

Mr Katambi said Tanzania will continue to stand for justice without oppressing or favouring anyone, while ensuring peace, unity and national security are preserved so that the hardships and challenges experienced by refugees never occur in the country.