Homeland Security Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Refugee Relocation Amid Human Rights Concerns
Minister commits to refugee relocation despite HRDC opposition, write Winston Mwale & Chrispine Lwanja.
Lilongwe, Malawi - Homeland Security Minister Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma has reiterated his dedication to relocating refugees and asylum seekers to the Dzaleka refugee camp in Dowa district, despite immediate opposition from the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), write Winston Mwale & Chrispine Lwanja.
Minister Ng'oma's statement comes as the government aims to address the presence of illegal economic immigrants within the country.
He emphasized that individuals residing outside the designated camp are considered illegal economic immigrants, not refugees, and vowed to deport them to their respective countries to protect genuine asylum seekers and preserve the integrity of refugee status.
The relocation process, initiated on Wednesday, aims to identify and address undocumented individuals engaged in business activities, as Minister Ng'oma expressed concerns over these individuals tarnishing the reputation of legitimate refugees and posing security challenges.
In addition to the relocation efforts, Minister Ng'oma called for a comprehensive review of existing refugee-related legislation, highlighting the need to address present-day challenges and the exploitation of refugee status by illegal immigrants.
Tennyson Mulimbula, the general secretary of the Small Scale Business Operators Association, warmly welcomed the government's decision, urging association members not to hinder the ongoing exercise.
However, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) swiftly condemned the government's actions, expressing concerns about the relocation process and objecting to the use of arbitrary arrests.
HRDC argued that such actions violated human rights and contravened international refugee law, stressing society's responsibility to provide safety, protection, and empathy to those in need.
The HRDC also criticized the policy of relocating refugees from urban areas, deeming it heartless and contrary to the principles of humanitarianism and solidarity.
The coalition emphasized that such measures isolate and marginalize vulnerable individuals, depriving them of essential resources, support networks, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Moreover, HRDC strongly condemned the use of arbitrary arrests during the relocation process, citing it as inhumane and a violation of International Refugee Law.
The coalition called for an immediate halt to the relocation of refugees and the use of arbitrary arrests, urging the government to adopt a human rights approach that ensures the protection and dignity of refugees.
As the debate intensifies, the Malawi Human Rights Commission has initiated investigations into the treatment of refugees following the mass arrests in Lilongwe on May 16, 2023.
Disturbing allegations of physical abuse, property confiscation, and harsh prison conditions for children have surfaced, prompting the commission to call upon the Inspector General of Police and other law enforcement agencies to prioritize human rights in their actions.
The government now faces the challenge of balancing national security, immigration policies, and the protection of human rights as pressure mounts.
The ongoing discussion surrounding refugee relocation and the treatment of asylum seekers continues to draw attention domestically and internationally, with human rights organizations and concerned citizens calling for a reassessment of the government's approach.