UNHCR urges Malawi to reconsider refugees relocation decision

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says government’s move to relocate refugees living in rural and urban centres back to Dzaleka camp by April 15 this year will have disastrous consequences on many refugees’ lives.

UNHCR’s Representative in Malawi, Cyr Modeste Kouame said relocating thousands of refugees back to the camp, will have dire consequences on the provision of critical basic services such as health and education, as well as protection activities.

“The relocation means that children will have to leave their schools, and for breadwinners to abandon their employment or small businesses and return to a camp where they will be dependent on humanitarian assistance,” said Kouame in a statement released on Tuesday.

The UN Refugee Agency has therefore asked government to reconsider its decision.

“UNHCR once again appeals to the Government of Malawi to allow refugee families to remain in rural or urban settings where they can continue their education, be employed, and operate their small businesses.”

Dzaleka refugee camp presently accommodates nearly 50,000 people.

About Augustine Muwotcha

View all posts by Augustine Muwotcha →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *