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Justice, Rights and the Road Ahead
As June 30 draws near, the date we have spoken about with apprehension is fast becoming reality. At the end of this month, we will begin a significant downscaling of our operations, including the closure of our Lilongwe office. This is not a milestone we ever hoped to reach.
The decision to scale down has not been easy. The impact will be felt most by refugees and asylum-seekers who rely on independent advocacy, legal support, referrals, and a platform through which their concerns can be heard.
There is sadness in knowing that some of the services we have provided may no longer be available in the same way. At the same time, we are concerned about the many unresolved issues facing refugees, from restrictions on rights and opportunities to barriers in accessing protection and justice.
The challenges that inspired the creation of Inua Advocacy have not disappeared, and neither has our determination to continue advocating for a future in which refugees can live with dignity, freedom, and hope. We need your help.
Keeping Justice within reach
For refugees and asylum seekers in Malawi, access to justice remains one of the greatest challenges. Whether facing discrimination, unlawful detention, or other violations of their rights, many have limited means to seek legal redress.
Over the years, we have ensured that refugees are not left to navigate legal challenges alone. As our operations downscale and our capacity to provide legal services becomes limited, our recent partnership with Prison Justice Initiatives (PJI) offers a source of hope. Through this partnership, PJI will provide lawyers to represent refugees in a wide range of legal matters, helping to ensure continued access to justice for refugees.
Progress Continues on Refugee Law Review
The ongoing review of the 1989 Refugee Act is one of the most significant developments for refugees and asylum-seekers in Malawi.
The latest reports indicate that the Special Law Commission has completed its consideration of feedback submitted during the National Validation Workshop held in December 2025, where stakeholders provided input on the proposed reforms.
With this phase concluded, they are now updating the Commission’s Report and preparing a draft Bill that will reflect the recommendations emerging from the review process. According to the Commission, the law review process is expected to be completed by September 2026.
This progress signals that the review is moving forward. For refugees, civil society organisations, and others who have long advocated for a more rights-based legal framework, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the new law delivers stronger protection, greater inclusion, and expanded opportunities for refugees to contribute to Malawi’s development.