Rights Body Commends Government Calls To Relocate Refugees
BY DRAXON MALOYA
The Young Human Rights Defenders Network (YHRDN) has commended government for calling on all refugees and asylum seekers in the country to relocate from both rural and urban centers to Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
This week Malawi Government through the Ministry of Homeland Security issued a statement reminding all the Refugees and Asylum seekers about the expiration of a fourteen day ultimatum advising the refugees and asylum seekers to relocate to the designated Dzaleka Refugee camp in Dowa District.
Speaking to the media in Mzuzu on Saturday the YHRDN Chairperson, Mervin Nxumayo said line with the 1951 United Nations Convention to the status of Refugees and asylum seekers with reservation in respect to their protection which Malawi is a party to the Ministry of Homeland Security has done a great job reminding all Refugees and Asylum seekers residing in urban areas which compromises national security.
“Those who left their home countries due to either war or economic issues should return to the designated camp in Dowa district because their existence in both rural and urban areas compromises national security,” Nxumayo said.
Nxumayo further cautioned those harbouring illegal immigrants to desist from the malpractice advising the citizens to assist the law enforcement agencies identifying those harbouring, aiding or abating illegal immigrants.
The Government statement signed by the Ministry of Homeland Security, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma has reminded about the expiration of a fourteen day ultimatum given to refugees and asylum seekers residing in rural and urban areas demanding them to relocate to Dzaleka refugee camp on 1st April, 2023.
“The notice is in light of the High Court decision of 12th August 2022 on the application of Abdul Nahimana and Samuel Mkumbira Vs Minister of Homeland Security: Judicial Review Case Number 18 of 2021 which requires all refugees and asylum seekers in rural and urban areas to relocate to Dzaleka Refugee camp by 30th November 2022,” reads part of the statement.
The statement further stated that effective 1st April 2023 until 15th April 2023, the relocation process will be enforced by state agencies such as the Malawi Police Service, Department of Citizenship Services as well as the Refugees and Asylum seekers themselves.
However, Government therefore strongly warns that if any person or a group of persons is found meddling in this process or harassing the refugees and asylum seekers in any way will be met with the full arm of the law
