First representative of a refugee-led organization in Angola

The first refugee-led organization was officially registered today in Angola, a country that currently hosts more than 55,000 refugees and asylum seekers, it was announced at a ceremony to mark World Refugee Day.

The formalization of the Association for Refugees in Angola, which has existed informally since 2000 under the name Coordination of Refugees in Angola, has now received legal personality, giving it the legality and legitimacy to act autonomously, he said. Pedro Luay of the Jesuit Refugee Service.

The clearance, as highlighted by Ibrahim Kalilu, General Coordinator for Refugees in Angola, now allows refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons to work with Angolan authorities, international organizations and society at large.

Emmanuelle Mitte, Resident Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Angola, stressed that the African country has hosted more than 55,000 refugees and asylum seekers and issues identity documents that allow “access to basic services such as health ” or education, look for a job and integrate into society.”

“Without documents, refugees remain invisible and vulnerable, documentation contributes to social inclusion and is the desire of the majority of refugees in Angola,” the UNHCR representative emphasized.

The Minister of the Interior, Eugenio Laboriño, stressed that Angola continues to be a hospitable country for foreign citizens of different nationalities who seek protection from armed conflicts, climate events and other situations that put their lives at risk, emphasizing the country’s commitment to ensuring freedom of law and guarantees for foreign citizens, including refugees.

On this occasion, an agreement was also signed between UNHCR and the Catholic University, which will guarantee free legal assistance to refugees.