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Pursuing Rights-Based Solutions for Refugees in Malawi

Across Malawi, refugees continue to navigate significant legal and practical barriers that restrict their freedom, dignity, and opportunities. This month, we intensified our pursuit of accountable, rights-based solutions—engaging state authorities, defending property rights, responding to security operations, and amplifying the resilience that persists within Dzaleka.

Rights-Based Refugee Solutions

We had the privilege of advocating for refugees at a Regional Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers, organized by our collaborator, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), on 5 February 2026 in Mzuzu.

During the meeting, we presented an overview of the lived realities of refugees residing in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, outlining the structural and systemic challenges they continue to face and proposing practical, rights-based solutions.

Among others, we highlighted persistent barriers to education for refugee children; the growing financial strain on humanitarian organisations at Dzaleka Camp, which has undermined the availability and consistency of essential services; and the lack of travel documents, which restricts access to specialised health care, higher education, and other critical opportunities outside the camp.

We also raised highlighted the urgent need to review and amend the 1989 Refugee Act to align with a rights-based framework consistent with international and regional standards. A news report to this effect was published and can be accessed at the following link: https://mwnation.com/unhcr-cuts-refugee-support-by-90/

Intervention for refugees repossession of shipping containers

In 2023, during the forced relocation of refugees living outside Dzaleka Refugee Camp, the Government of Malawi seized over 120 shipping containers holding harvests, trade tools, and personal belongings. Authorities alleged they contained illegal goods and weapons, but verification did not substantiate those claims.

Several owners challenged the confiscations in court and, in 2025, secured rulings in their favour, and repossessed their property. Rather than pursue further litigation on behalf of the remaining owners, we engaged the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Homeland Security, met with her on 10 February, and subsequently submitted a letter detailing the affected individuals and the containers they claim.

While still in the process, we learned of plans to auction the containers. We issued a public statement and engaged with the Police, who clarified that only unclaimed containers would be auctioned and that individuals with proof of ownership could still come forward to reclaim theirs. It is a relief that even those who did not initially come forward—mostly out of fear and uncertainty—now can reclaim their property, and we are helping to facilitate the process.

Malawi Defence Force Conducts Another Raid in Dzaleka Refugee Camp

For the third time, officials from the Malawi Defence Force raided Dzaleka Refugee Camp in an operation described as targeting Ethiopian nationals suspected of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Reports indicate that they raided two alleged holding facilities within the camp, and 71 refugees were taken.

One community leader recounted that after she refused to open her gate, a tear gas canister was allegedly thrown into her compound. Further allegations suggest that security personnel forced entry into some homes and confiscated personal property, including laptops and mobile phones belonging to Congolese residents.

This is the third such operation in the camp, following earlier raids in July and October 2024. We continue to call for transparency regarding those detained, full respect for due process, and the safeguarding of the rights and safety of all refugees during security operations.