Operational context
In 2019, the socioeconomic and political environment in Zimbabwe remained precarious as the country continued to struggle with fiscal consolidation and financial sector stabilization.
The already fragile humanitarian situation was compounded by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Idai. Heavy rains and strong winds caused riverine and flash flooding, affecting 270,000 people including 122,000 in the Chipinge District where the Tongogara refugee camp hosted some 15,000 refugees and asylum-seekers. Approximately 6,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in Chipinge District were severely impacted as over 1,000 houses, latrines and water boreholes were completely or partially damaged.
The Government made seven pledges during the Global Refugee Forum in December 2019 on strengthening its legal, policy and administrative frameworks. The Government also registered seven pledges to end statelessness by 2024.
Population trends
In 2019, Zimbabwe was host to more than 11,500 asylum-seekers and nearly 9,000 refugees (mainly in Tongogara refugee camp). In addition, some 270,000 people were internally displaced across the country.
Achievements
- The Government provided 25 hectares of agricultural land for a livelihood programme aimed at refugee and host communities in the Tongogara refugee camp.
- Some 65,000 people from refugee and host communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai were assisted with civil status registration and documentation.
- As part of the collective United Nations system response, UNHCR provided core relief items to nearly 66,000 people affected by Cyclone Idai – both Zimbabweans and refugees - and co-led the protection cluster.
Unmet needs
- Limited resources affected UNHCR’s capacity to provide livelihoods and vocational training, especially for women and out-of-school youth.
- There was inadequate learning space for early childhood development and primary schools.
- Lack of sustainable energy sources for cooking led to deforestation in areas surrounding Tongogara refugee camp, exacerbating the risk of SGBV for women and girls while collecting firewood outside the camp.