UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

23 March 2011 - The Southern Africa Region, particularly Madagascar and Mozambique, is highly vulnerable to natural disasters (floods and cyclones) and debilitating rates of HIV/AIDS infection. In 2011, UNHCR is anticipating less displaced populations in the region in comparison to 2010, primarily due to the decrease in voluntary repatriation of Congolese and Angolan refugees. However, some key regional concerns remain, including ongoing xenophobia against displaced Zimbabweans in South Africa, which hosts the largest number of asylum seekers in the world, the southward movement of refugees and asylum seekers from the Horn of Africa, and possible elections in countries such as Zambia and South Africa that could result in violence and increased population movements. With CIDA support in Southern Africa, UNHCR aims to promote international protection for all refugees and asylum seekers; to seek durable solutions for refugees, particularly through local integration and resettlement; and tp ensure that other displaced people across the region in need of international protection enjoy basic rights. Funds provided to UNHCR's 2011 Southern Africa Appeal are allocated on the basis of assessed need towards country-specific operations including in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and/or regional programs.