LUSAKA, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu has appointed an inter-ministerial steering committee to consolidate the country's response to the refugee crisis following an influx of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the chairperson of the committee said on Thursday.
Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo, who chairs the committee, said the committee will provide guidance on the establishment of refugee settlements in the northern part of the country as well as on other refugee issues.
The eight-member committee will ensure that a comprehensive and coordinated approach is taken into account in addressing the needs of mostly DRC refugees in the northern part of the country.
"The committee will also ensure that all interventions to manage the situation benefit not only the refugee communities but also host communities in areas affected by the crisis," he told a press briefing.
According to him, the number of DRC refugees coming to the country has continued increasing, with about 14,500 currently being kept at a temporary transit center, Kenani, in Nchelenge district.
There is urgent need to relocate the refugees to a more suitable permanent settlement, which has been provided in the district, he said, adding that the relocation requires funding from cooperating partners.
The United Nations Central Emergency Relief Fund has so far approved a sum of 6.6 million U.S. dollars needed for the DRC refugees, he said.
