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• Luwani Camp opened in 1977 for Mozambican refugees, closed in 2007
• Dzaleka Camp, originally a political prison, repurposed in 1994 for refugees from Rwanda and Burundi
• Malawi hosted over one million Mozambican refugees during the 1980s and early 1990s
• Malawi ratified the UN Refugee Convention and enacted the Refugee Act in 1989
• Dzaleka's population has grown from 10,000-12,000 to over 60,000 by 2024
• Malawi has also experienced refugee outflows in the 1960s and 1970s due to political persecution

Asylum Seeker

A person who has left their country of origin and applied for asylum in another country, but whose claim has not yet been decided.

Refugee

A person whose asylum claim has been approved, resulting in official refugee status.

Stateless Person

An individual not recognized as a national by any state under its law.

People of Concern (POCs)

This category includes refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons.

Undocumented Migrant

Someone who lacks authorization to enter or stay in a country.

Refugee Act of 1989

The Refugee Act of 1989 establishes the legal framework for the reception, admission, and treatment of refugees in Malawi. While it aligns with key international refugee laws, it has faced criticism for being outdated and insufficient in addressing current refugee needs.

Reservations to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention

Malawi's reservations limit certain rights of refugees, including:

• Freedom of Movement: Refugees must reside in designated camps
• Employment: Restrictions on work outside camps
• Public Relief and Assistance: Limited access to social services

These reservations significantly impact refugees' ability to achieve self-sufficiency and integrate into Malawian society.

The UNHCR outlines three durable solutions for refugees:

• Integration: The host country offers citizenship or legal, economic, and social inclusion to refugees. This is not currently provided for in Malawi's policy framework.
• Repatriation: The refugee returns to their country of origin when it is deemed safe. By 2023, a growing number of Burundian refugees expressed a desire to return home.
• Resettlement: Refugees are transferred from the asylum country to another state that agrees to admit them and grant permanent residence. Only individuals with formal refugee status are eligible, and globally, less than 1% of refugees are resettled each year.

• Established in 1994 in response to the Rwandan genocide and conflicts in Burundi and DRC
• Originally designed to host 10,000 to 12,000 refugees
• Current population: Over 60,000 (as of 2024)
• Located in Dowa District, about 45km north of Lilongwe, Malawi's capital
• Main nationalities: Congolese, Burundians, Rwandans, Somalis, and Ethiopians
• Faces challenges including overcrowding, limited resources, and restricted movement
• Hosts various educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools
• Home to entrepreneurial activities and small businesses run by refugees
• Supported by UNHCR, WFP, and various NGOs providing essential services

• November 22, 2022: Unrest at Dzaleka Camp over distribution of aid materials
• December 14, 2022: Grenade attack on Burundian community leader Butoyi Fideli
• May 17, 2023: Forced relocation of urban refugees back to Dzaleka Camp
• July 17, 2024: Malawi Defence Force raid on Dzaleka Camp targeting suspected human traffickers
• October 12, 2024: Second widespread raid on Dzaleka Camp, resulting in arrests and injuries

Corruption and criminality pose significant challenges to refugee management in Malawi:

• Widespread reports of bribery and exploitation in refugee services
• Fraudulent schemes swindling refugees of millions of Kwacha for false resettlement promises
• Allegations of sexual exploitation in the Refugee Status Determination process
• Corruption during forced re-encampment, including charges for certification letters and housing
• Human trafficking networks operating within Dzaleka Refugee Camp
• Lack of proper investigation and prosecution of criminal activities

These issues exacerbate the already challenging conditions in refugee camps and undermine efforts to support refugees in achieving self-reliance and dignity.

• Government of Malawi

  Responsible for policy development, regulation, and enforcement of refugee laws.

• UNHCR

  Provides protection, assistance, and coordinates humanitarian efforts for refugees.

• Implementing Partners

  Organizations contracted by UNHCR to deliver services directly to refugees.

• Cooperating Partners

  Organizations that focus on specific aspects of refugee management, approved by the Ministry of Homeland Security.

• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

  Refugee-led organizations providing essential services and embodying self-reliance.

• Donors

  Governments, individuals, and organizations providing funding for refugee assistance programs.

Despite restrictive laws, refugees have made significant contributions to Malawi's economy:

• Entrepreneurship: Refugees have transformed local commerce by establishing shops known for extended hours, reliability, and affordability.
• Agriculture: Partnerships between refugees and Malawian landowners in Dowa District have revolutionized tomato farming and boosted the value of soya and groundnuts.
• Job Creation: Refugee-led initiatives have created sustainable, long-term work for thousands of Malawians.
• Skills Transfer: In the past, refugees with teaching backgrounds have filled essential gaps in science, math, and French courses in Malawian schools.

Education

• Limited access to quality education due to overcrowded and under-resourced schools
• Shortage of secondary education opportunities
• Few chances for higher education, with some scholarships and distance learning programs available

Healthcare

• One clinic in Dzaleka Camp, operated by the Ministry of Health, serving over 70,000 people
• Limited medical staff and resources to address prevalent health issues
• Challenges in accessing specialized care and treatment for chronic conditions
• Some refugee-owned private pharmacies and medical services present in the camp