Luanda – Angola’s Minister of Interior, Eugénio Laborinho, reiterated Thursday, in Geneva, Switzerland, his country’s political commitment to objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees.
Speaking at the 2nd Global Forum on Refugees, the minister reiterated that Angola remains committed to continue to work on the implementation of programs aimed to provide more sustainable international protection and assistance for refugees in the country.
The Angolan official called on the collective responsibility of States to drive the implementation of durable solutions for all refugees in the world, adding that despite the complexity of the situation, effective international cooperation can still make a difference in achieving this goal.
The head of the Angolan delegation said that as part of the commitments made during the 1st Forum, Angola implemented the clause for the cessation of refugee status in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Eugenio Laborinho highlighted the voluntary repatriation of refugees that were sheltered in eastern region Lunda Norte province under the tripartite agreement, underscoring the country’s successful implementation of the general registration process for refugees and asylum seekers.
Eugénio Laborinho also said Angola is committed to achieving the objectives of the Global Compact on refugees at a regional level, having mentioned, as an example, the implementation of the Lobito corridor project in the southern region.
The minister said the general census of the population in Angola, scheduled for 2024, will be a tool to measure the indicators of the Global Compact, as it will enable greater inclusion of refugees, repatriates and stateless people, so as not to leave anyone behind.
The Angolan minister took the opportunity to welcome the important role played by international partners, with a view to matching and implementing different commitments.
The minister highlighted the efforts made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to promote the sharing of burdens and responsibilities, in a more equitable manner between the various actors, with the situation of refugees in the world at its center.
The Global Compact on Refugees is the main global agreement that brings States and other interested actors together over four years to take stock of progress made and make new commitments to help achieve the Compact's objectives.
Since last April, Angola has been member number 108 out of a total of 127 States of the UNHCR Executive Committee and has worked in partnership with this UN agency in implementing policies and programs for the reception and integration of refugees in the country.VC/TED/AMP
