WORLD REFUGEE DAY COMMEMORATED
	Maseru, June 20 - The Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Mr. Ramootsi Lehata says Lesotho is committed to protect those who have fled from wars, violence and other disturbing incidents of human rights violation by their governments and other non-state actors. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety at the commemoration of World Refugee day in Maseru on Tuesday, Mr. Lehata urged refugees to respect all the laws of this country and shun criminal activities by all means. He said since last year’s commemoration, positive developments in politics and economic matters have been realized on the African continent, adding that protracted refugee situations have found solutions and Africa has seen massive voluntary repatriation of refugees to their homelands. He congratulated the Basotho for the continuous accommodation, acceptance and harmony they have displayed in living with refugees in their midst, and stated that this indicates that Basotho are know their origin, that they have been founded on the principle of unity in diversity by King Moshoeshoe I. Mr. Lehata stated that the nation should not depart from this principle of their foundation and national unity, asserting that Basotho are a nation of unsurpassed hospitality in Africa. Speaking at the same occasion the Commissioner of refugees, Mr. Francis Sefali explained that for refugees, everyday they spent in exile or flight is a day too long and this is why World Refugee Day should be a time to pause and think for all people. A representative of refugees in Lesotho Mr. Francis Idris lauded the entire nation for joining them in their celebration, saying hope is the only sign that keeps refugees alive. He also conveyed their gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety together with the Office of the Commissioner Refugees for facilitating and resolving the crucial problems which were affecting refugees for a long time. The World Refugee Day is marked annually with the purpose of determining the status of refugees in the country. There are currently 60 refugees hosted by Lesotho, a number of whom are working in the remotest regions of the country as nurses, doctors, teachers and business people.
	Source: LENA