United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to protect and help refugees to be safely protected. In January 2020, the UNHCR office was decentralized from Geneva to the Southern Region of Africa and was based in Pretoria.
On the 22nd April 2022, the UNHCR representatives; Mr. George Wood (Senior Transition Coordinator Executive Officer) and Mr. Igor Ciobanu (Deputy Representative) have visited the Ministry of Home Affairs; the duo was welcomed by Honorable Minister Motlalentoa Letsosa, Principal Secretary, Mr. Tumelo Raboletsi and Commissioner for Refugees Mr. Mohlolo Lerotholi. The purpose for the visit was to assess the daily functions of the decentralized agency.
On his welcoming remarks, the Minister showed that as the Agency is now based in Pretoria, it would be easier to visit each other frequently. Senior Transition Coordinator: Mr. George Wood, showed gratitude to Commissioner for Refugees for his corporative support with the Agency.
Soon after the meeting with Minister, the UNHCR Representatives, visited the Mohalalitoe Refugee Centre to listen to tenants’ grievances. The Representatives appreciated the status of hospitality and welfare in which the Refugees are in.
On the other side, the Refugees also appreciated the support from Lesotho government, though there are challenges which they requested to be looked at; such as lack of employment. They therefore appealed to the Ministry to allow them to explore their skills to make a living while they await integration into the community.