The Zambian and Angolan governments have met to discuss how the two countries can collaborate to address issues affecting refugees and vulnerable people in both countries.

Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba held discussions during a courtesy call by the delegation from the Angolan office of the Ombudsman, led by the Deputy Ambassador Dr Aguinaldo Guedes Da Costa Cristóvāó.

With officials from the Zambian Office of the Public Protector in attendance, ideas were exchanged on how collaborations between the two ombudsman offices can improve the social welfare system and enhance the protection of citizens’ rights in both countries whose socioeconomic challenges are similar.

The Minister who acknowledged that more is required to be done to uplift the welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable people in both countries in line with international human rights standards, therefore pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security to address the issues.

She affirmed Zambia’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable groups such as women, children, elderly persons, refugees, children on the move as well as people living with various disabilities through various social protection programmes.

And the Angolan Deputy Ambassador appreciated the bilateral relationship between the two countries, coupled with an already signed memorandum of understanding, which he said is critical in strengthening cooperation between both ombudsman offices in safeguarding citizens’ rights.