Malawi Government Defends Relocation of Refugees
The move has been criticised by human rights groups, which have accused the government of violating the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
LILONGWE, Malawi-The Malawi Ministry of Homeland Security has defended the relocation of refugees and asylum seekers to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa district, saying the exercise is being conducted within the law, writes Judgement Katika.
The move has been criticised by human rights groups, which have accused the government of violating the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
However, the government says that the relocation is being carried out in accordance with the 1989 Refugees Act, which is currently under review.
Homeland Security Public Relations Officer Patrick Botha said that the government is committed to protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers and that investigations are underway to find any evidence of human rights violations.
Botha also clarified that Maula Prison was only used to temporarily house refugees and asylum seekers while their documentation was being screened.
"Malawi has an obligation to offer protection to refugees and asylum seekers, but at the same time, refugees and asylum seekers also have an obligation to follow the laws of the land," he said.
"The exercise is being done within the law, and relevant stakeholders are looking into the matter to see if there was any form of human rights violation. Those found to have violated the rights of refugees and asylum seekers will face the law."
As of Sunday, at least 2,189 refugees had returned to Dzaleka Refugee Camp.