U.S. Government Supports Zambia Initiative

The "Zambia Initiative" is a new effort by the Zambian Government and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to integrate long-staying Angolan refugees in Zambia's Western Province in ways that will benefit both the refugees and their hosts. Zambia has generously hosted refugees from neighboring countries for decades, including Angolans throughout that country's thirty-year civil war, and has assured the refugees that they will not be forced to leave.

The U.S. contribution will help fund such diverse activities as construction of primary and secondary schools along with teacher training and educational supplies for schools where refugee and host community children learn side-by-side; community-based tree planting; diversification of agricultural crops; and establishment of an STD/HIV/AIDS drop-in center to promote HIV/AIDS awareness among refugees and their host community. A number of other donors, including Japan, Denmark, Sweden, and the European Community's Humanitarian Office (ECHO) have indicated that they will also support activities under the "Zambia Initiative."

The "Zambia Initiative" is already being eyed as a model for other protracted refugee situations where it is important to link relief and development. The United States is pleased to support the effort and urges widespread donor support for this important undertaking. In fiscal year 2002, the U.S. has provided, through the State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, over $187 million for refugees and conflict victims in Africa.