Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister Warns of Looming Crisis at Dzaleka Refugee Camp
The agreement covers cooperation in education, health, governance and other development sectors.
DOWA, Malawi — Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel has warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe at Dzaleka Refugee Camp following a planned reduction in food assistance by the World Food Programme (WFP), expected to take effect in June, writes Sylvester Kumwenda, MANA.
Bettel made the remarks Wednesday in an interview after touring the camp to assess its operations and the living conditions of refugees.
He said Dzaleka faces multiple challenges, chief among them the anticipated withdrawal of food aid.
“To address challenges facing the camp, there must be short-term, midterm and long-term interventions,” Bettel said.
“But in the short term, there is a need for immediate interventions to secure the survival of people here because there will be a catastrophe if there is no support once WFP stops providing assistance to the camp in June.”
Beyond food shortages, Bettel said refugees are struggling with limited employment opportunities and inadequate shelter.
He noted that the camp, originally designed to accommodate about 12,000 people, is now home to more than 60,000 refugees.
He called for closer coordination between the Malawi government, local authorities and United Nations agencies to implement programs that move beyond basic survival.
“The future is to work together with the government, local authorities and the United Nations to strengthen programs that will not only help people survive but also thrive in the camp for the next fifty years,” Bettel said.
He cited integration, resettlement and, where possible, voluntary return to countries of origin as long-term solutions.
Bettel also stressed the need to address the root causes of displacement, urging efforts to de-escalate conflicts that force people to flee their homes.
Commissioner for Refugees General Ignacio Maulana acknowledged that the expected food aid cut would have severe consequences for the camp’s population.
“Government and everyone know that by June WFP might no longer provide food to the camp,” Maulana said.
“We are engaging other stakeholders and discussing with donors, as any assistance we receive will be highly welcome. However, under the current circumstances, unless a miracle occurs, WFP will not be able to support this camp beyond June.”
Earlier this week, Bettel, on behalf of the Luxembourg government, signed a General Cooperation Agreement with Malawi through Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation George Chaponda.
The agreement covers cooperation in education, health, governance and other development sectors.