Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) (right), yesterday (February 26, 2013) met with the United Nations Refugees Agency Representative (Tanzania), Ms. Mends-Cole who paid a courtesy visit to discuss strategic direction on refugees local integration. The two met in the Minister’s office located in Dar es Salaam.
During their discussion, Hon. Membe raised his concerns when refugees become intentionally displaced in their own country, which can spark chaos to the nationals in the receiving regions. He further raised the issue of discrimination among refugees, and requested that the UNHCR Tanzania Representative monitor and find solutions to such events as they arise.
Hon. Membe explains to Ms. Mends-Cole about the Government’s readiness in seeing a sufficient and efficient systems are put in place in order to improve the refugees camp.
Hon. Membe in discussion with Ms. Mends-Cole (center), UNHCR Representative in the United Republic of Tanzania. Left is Ms. Melanie Senelle, External Relations Officer for the UNHCR.
Mr. Amos Msanjila (left), a Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Melanie Senelle, External Relations Officer for UNHCR, listening to Hon. Membe’s discussion with Ms. Mends-Cole.
Hon. Membe and Ms. Mends-Cole share a good icebreaker laugh during their meeting yesterday in the Minister’s office in Dar es Salaam.
Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation shares a book about Zambia with Ms. Mends-Cole, the UN Refugees Agency at the conclusion of their meeting. (All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation).