YAS Advocates for Refugee Rights in Dowa District
The engagement aimed at raising awareness about the rights of asylum seekers and refugees and creating a platform for addressing issues affecting the host community.
DOWA, Malawi - Youth And Society (YAS) today engaged the host community for Dzaleka Refugee Camp on issues pertaining to human rights, writes Mphatso M’bang’ombe.
The engagement aimed at raising awareness about the rights of asylum seekers and refugees and creating a platform for addressing issues affecting the host community.
“There will be no progress in the welfare and plight of refugees if we leave behind the host community,” said Charles Kajoloweka, YAS Executive Director.
He further urged the government to consider reforming refugee laws and reviewing the country’s reservations to the 1951 UN Convention.
Kajoloweka also emphasized the need for the host community to benefit from the services provided to Dzaleka camp, as they face similar challenges in accessing quality education, healthcare, and livelihood.
In a separate interview, Maxwell Kadutsa Nyirongo, CSO chairperson, thanked YAS for the intervention and called for more such initiatives in the district.
“The engagement session was seen as a step towards promoting social cohesion amongst the host community and the refugees,” said Kadutsa.
YAS continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of asylum seekers and refugees in the country.
Through engagements with the host community, YAS hopes to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all individuals’ rights are respected, protected, and promoted.