‘Stop State-sponsored lawlessness on refugees’
Some 10 civil society organisations (CSOs) have demanded a stop to relocation of refugees and asylum seekers in the country, saying the exercise has resulted in State-sponsored lawlessness.
In a statement yesterday, the CSOs argued that the exercise, which should uphold the rights of vulnerable individuals, has been tainted by acts of lawlessness within the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and certain political party cadres, resulting in gross human rights violations.
Reads the statement in part: “Notably, on 17th and 18th May 2023, a total of 505 individuals suspected to be refugees, asylum seekers, and illegal immigrants were detained at Maula Prison, including 202 males, 89 females, and a concerning 117 children.
“These refugees endured overcrowded conditions, physical abuse, lack of access to legal representation and family, detention without trial, and limited access to basic amenities such as food and menstrual pads.”
The CSOs said in the distressing situation, vulnerable individuals from the Rwandan and Burundian communities have suffered significantly.
“They have been subject to exploitation by the police, who demanded bribes and confiscated their hard-earned property and money.
“The actions have led to a state of national insecurity, contradicting the very purpose of institutions mandated to ensure safety. The Ministry of Homeland Security’s statements have fuelled xenophobia, undermining the principles of Umunthu philosophy that are deeply cherished by the common Malawian.”
The CSOs include Youth and Society (YAS), INUA Advocacy, Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance, Southern Africa Litigation Centre, Church and Society Programme of the Livingstonia Synod and Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative.
They further argue that the robbery in a Rwandan shop in Salima by alleged police officers and some Malawi Congress Party (MCP) cadres is indicative of multiple instances of criminality.
Among others, the CSOs have demanded immediate cessation of the exercise, an investigation by the Malawi Human Rights Commission on rights violations, as well as an investogation by Independent Police Complaints Commission into the Salima robbery and the conduct of the police.
“We demand the immediate arrest and timely prosecution of Police and civilians involved in the persecution of refugees and theft of their livelihood/property.
“An immediate halt to the backdoor extradition exercise, preventing the forced deportation of refugees to countries where they risk persecution,” the CSOs said.
They have also called for urgent provision of necessities for over 52 000 refugees at Dzaleka, and consideration of temporary permits for those without criminal history and established lives to support themselves.
In an interview yesterday, Homeland Security spokesperson Patrick Botha said the relocation enforcement follows a court order.
He said: “The other issues concerning officers are already under investigation. Government has an obligation to offer protection to refugees and asylum seekers.
“At the same time, refugees and asylum seekers also have the obligation to respect the laws of Malawi. To every right there’s a responsibility or obligation. So what government is doing is actually within the law.”
Malawi Government embarked on an exercise of relocating refugees to Dzaleka Camp.
The exercise rolled out after the expiry of an April 15 2023 deadline for voluntary relocation.
