Funding cuts threatens Malawi refugees

Over 60,000 refugees in Malawi face hunger and insecurity as donor funding cuts leave government struggling to provide basic supportThe Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has revealed this in a statement marking World Refugee Day.

MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi warned that donor withdrawal is pushing over 60,000 asylum seekers into hunger, insecurity and hopelessness.

MHRC said the withdrawal of financial support by several international humanitarian organizations has left government to handle refugee matters with minimal assistance.

According to the Commission, WFP reduced its services, pushing Dzaleka Refugee Camp into despair and hopelessness.

“Most refugees and asylum seekers cannot fend for themselves because they are restricted to staying in the congested camp, where the only means of survival is a meagre monthly ration of about Mk16,000 per person,” reads part of the statement.

The Commission added that the closure of Karonga Transit Shelter, used for screening asylum seekers, has compounded hardships and new arrivals now face heightened risks traveling to Dzaleka in Dowa without temporary reception facilities.

However, MHRC has commended government efforts to host refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia and Somalia.

In line with international human rights obligations, MHRC urged government to establish effective measures for timely and efficient refuguee status determination processes, ensure eligible asylum seekers are formally granted refugee status, and provide a guarantee access to protection and rights under national and international law.