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 "I am very grateful for the hospitality of the government of Botswana that has hosted us up to this day and the material support and care that we have got from the UNHCR," asserted Njila who comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Speaking on behalf of fellow refugees on the World Refugee Day, he pointed out that Africa is known as a continent torn by conflicts, political instabilities and wars that have every now and then displaced people. The Dukwi camp is home to about 2,800 refugees from 17 countries. Njila wondered where the refugee community would have been if it had not been for the caring hands of host countries such as Botswana, the Red Cross and the UNHCR. He thanked UNHCR and Red Cross for their efforts in combating HIV/AIDS at the camp. Speaking with a French accent, he appreciated the good work of the Francistown Catholic mission for providing the camp with Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs. He encouraged fellow refugees in the camp to know their HIV status so that they could access assistance early. "I should remind my fellow refugees of their essential role in the fight against HIV/AIDS because a secure nation is disease-free nation." He called for unity in the camp to avoid unnecessary conflicts on grounds of tribalism and nationality. "Let us also desist from crimes such as rape and defilement of young children which are prevalent in the camp," he said, urging victims of the crimes to openly report to the police. He condemned the increasing incidents of teenage pregnancies in the camp. "We need to follow the laws of Botswana and forget about the claims of individual cultures that are often used as a scapegoat."Njila pointed out that repatriation is the only eternal hope to the troubles of displaced people. "No one will remain a refugee forever. Let us return home where we will be free and useful." He raised concern about the plight of the 400 refugees that have been rejected as asylum seekers. He believes that other solutions like re-settlement to a third country and integration can be considered. The chairperson of the Refugee Advisory Committee (RAC) and Francistown District Commissioner (DC), Sylvia Muzila advised on the steps followed on the determination of refugee status. She asked the refugees to reflect and appreciate the protection and peace that they have had in the country. "The RAC want information from you to enable us to provide you with the care and protection that should lead to the peace." The deputy Zambian High Commissioner to Botswana, Mukololo Akapelwa said that being a refugee has never been an easy task. He said it is encouraging that despite the trying conditions, there are success stories that have been recorded about the refugee community in Dukwi. In particular, he noted the exceptional performance of the children at both primary and secondary schools. For consecutive three years, the primary school in the camp has occupied top position in the region in national exams. He said this year's World Refugee commemorations held under the theme 'Hope' is not only directed to governments and various stakeholders but also to the refugee community. "You have a duty, for your sake and your children to contribute to finding solutions to your problems. You have the responsibility to ensure that you and your families do not lose hope," he emphasised. He reminded the refugees that in Angola and the DRC, there seem to be light at the end of the tunnel as conditions continue to improve. Despite continued strife in Somalia, he was hopeful that the situation in the country would improve.
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