A consortium of institutions and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has called upon the government to immediately cease the relocation of refugees and asylum seekers in Malawi saying the exercise has been tainted by acts of lawlessness within the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and certain party cadres, resulting in gross human rights violations.
On 27th March 2023, following court directions, the government of Malawi insued a directive mandating the relocation of all refugees residing outade designated areas back to the camp within 14 days.
According to a statement signed by one of the signatories, Youth and Society (YAS) Executive Director, Charles Kajoloweka, snce then, the CSOs proactive engagement in assessing the human rights implications of this exercise has revealed adorming lawlessness and gross violations.
Among others, he said the MPS has resorted to excessive and disproportionate force during arrests of suspected illegal immigrants and refugees, demonstrating outright legality.
“In this distressing situation, vulnerable individuals from the Rwandese and Rurundian communities have suffered significantly. They have been subject to exploitation by the Police, who demanded bribes and confiscated their hard-earned property and money.
“Furthermore, there is public information implicating the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) cadres and the Police, to have instigated terror and committed serious crimes under the guise of safeguarding national security,” reads part of the statement.
They further said these actions have led to a state of national insecurity, contradicting the very purpose of institutions mandated so maure safely the ministry of Hljomeland security’s statements have fueled xenophobia, undermining the principles of Ununthu Philosophy that are deeply cherished by the common Malawian.
Throughout the relocation process, the CSOs said they have observed systematic violations of human rights.
Among other recommendations, the CSOs want nn urgent, independent investigation by the Malawi Human Rights Commission into the human rights violations, an independent investigation by the independent Police Complaints Commission into the conduct of the Malawi Police including the Salima robbery/theft and the immediate arrest and timely prosecution of Police and civilians involved in the persecution of refugees and theft of them livelihood/property.
Further, they want an immediate halt to the backdoor extradition exercise, preventing the forced deportation of refugees to countries where they risk persecution, urgent provision of necessities for over 52.000 refugees at Daleka, and consideration of temporary permits for those without criminal history and established lives to support themselves and contribute to the nation and the expedited review of the country’s Refugees Act to align it with international standards and ensure the protection of refugees fundamental rights, with the Bill to be tabled in the November/December 2023 Parliamentary sitting as well as conducting public awareness campaigns to enlighten the local population about the plight of refugees, fostering empathy, and emphasizing the significance of their protection and integration.
The statement has also been signed by INUA Advocacy, CHREAA, Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC Church and Society-Livingstonia Synod), Centre for Democracy and Economic Development initiative (CDED), Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), National Advocacy Platform (NAP), Ukhando Services Foundation (USEF) and Alexius Kamangila – Human rights lawyer.
