The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) last week urged the cash-strapped Zimbabwean government not to seal off its borders so as to enable people flooding into the country to stay, or provide safe passage for those who are en-route to South Africa.
According to the UNHCR, the government of Zimbabwe intended to close its borders so that Somalis and Eritreans could not pass through.
“We want borders to remain open, if people are here to seek asylum then they should be allowed to seek asylum, the government should interview the people and establish what they want,” said Tina Ghelli, UNHCR Senior Regional, External Relations Officer.
The case of Somalis in the country is a delicate one, they usually do not have documentation, nor do they intend to stay in impoverished Zimbabwe. Their destination is South Africa, however, according to immigration officials in the country, this presents a major challenge to the authorities in Zimbabwe as South Africa also refuses them entry.
According to UNHCR Global Appeal 2011 displaced persons such as Ethiopians have serious difficulties in gaining access to key services such as health and unemployment.
“The cost of replacing lost national identity cards is prohibitive and without such documentation it is impossible to gain access to services.”
Source:The Zimbabwean
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