Malawi Announces Second Cohort for Voluntary Refugee Repatriation
This development follows the successful repatriation of 38 Rwandan refugees earlier this year in June.
LILONGWE, Malawi- The Minister of Homeland Security, Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma, has officially announced the commencement of the second cohort for voluntary repatriation of refugees, with approximately 117 refugees scheduled to return to their home countries on the 15th of September, 2023, writes Judgement Katika.
This development follows the successful repatriation of 38 Rwandan refugees earlier this year in June.
Minister Ng'oma made this significant announcement after a meeting with officials from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), highlighting the close collaboration between his ministry and the UNHCR in managing this crucial process.
He underscored that the UNHCR would not only provide funds but also other essential support to facilitate the repatriation.
Expressing his optimism, Minister Ng'oma stated that the number of refugees willing to return voluntarily is expected to increase.
He attributed this growing interest to the fact that more refugees are now eager to reunite with their families and reintegrate into their home countries.
Furthermore, the minister revealed that his ministry had already communicated with the home countries of the refugees to make the necessary arrangements for their return.
Addressing the delay in the repatriation process, Minister Ng'oma cited funding constraints as the primary cause. He emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting the rules and regulations of host countries.
Minister Ng'oma emphasized that refugees, by definition, seek refuge in other countries due to problems in their home nations. He expressed pride in the prospect of these individuals reuniting with their relatives and resuming normal lives in their respective countries.
In a related development, Minister Ng'oma disclosed that UNHCR has pledged 80 million USD for the establishment of a new refugee camp at Kayilizi in Senior Chief Mwenewenya, located in Chitipa district.
This investment aims to provide better living conditions and support for refugees in the region.
Additionally, UNHCR has committed 50,000 US dollars to facilitate the review of the Refugees Act of 1989.
This commitment underscores the organization's dedication to ensuring that refugee policies and legislation remain up-to-date and effective in addressing the evolving needs of displaced populations.
The voluntary repatriation of refugees not only promotes the safe return of individuals to their home countries but also serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics of refugee management and support in Malawi.
The cooperation between the government, UNHCR, and international partners is instrumental in ensuring the well-being and dignified return of refugees to their places of origin.