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Strengthening the Fight for Refugee Rights
Our Chief Executive Officer, Innocent Magambi, participated in the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia, held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” As an organisation with an observer status, we used this platform to influence policy, promote accountability, and amplify the voices of displaced people across Africa.
In his statement to the Commission, Magambi highlighted the worsening situation in Dzaleka Refugee Camp — where restrictive policies continue to deny refugees the right to work, study, or integrate. He drew attention to ongoing exploitation and trafficking networks and to the enduring trauma caused by the 2023 forced relocation, which left many families separated and justice unserved. You can read his full statement at this link.
Magambi urged the Government of Malawi and international partners to pursue humane reforms that treat refugees as children of Africa — deserving protection, justice, and hope. His intervention at the ACHPR reaffirmed Inua’s leadership in shaping continental dialogue on refugee protection and statelessness.
Securing Justice Through the Courts
In 2023, hundreds of refugees and naturalised Malawians of Burundian and Rwandese origins faced grave injustices during the government’s forced relocation exercise.
Amid this turmoil, Inua Advocacy, through the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Migration met with victims whose goods and farm produce had been unlawfully seized, providing guidance on possible legal remedies.
Many feared pursuing legal action amid arrests and deportations. Yet, one individual decided to challenge the injustice in court. With support from the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), and legal representation by Counsel Felisah Kilembe, the case was taken to court—supported by our team, who coordinated evidence-gathering and community consultations.
On 17th October 2025, justice prevailed when the Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court ruled that the government’s actions were unfounded and illegal, ordering the full return of all confiscated goods. This victory reinforces a simple truth: refugee rights are human rights—and no one is above the law.
We call on partners in the legal sector, and other supporters to stand with us in pursuing justice for all who suffered rights violations during the 2023 forced relocation exercise. For a detailed account of the case, read the full statement here.
Adapting to a Changing Global Aid Landscape
In our October Zoom discussion, our CEO was joined by Anaïs Lafite, a humanitarian strategist and advocate for justice in global aid, who warned that the current global funding crisis may represent a long-term structural shift.
She observed that the decline in overseas development assistance from major Western donors is being driven by the rise of right-wing politics, increased defense spending, and sluggish economic growth. She further noted that the future of humanitarian work will hinge on localized, innovative, and self-sustaining models. If you missed the discussion, you can watch it on our YouTube page through this link.
Media as a Force for Refugee Rights
When refugee voices are silenced, stereotypes and misinformation take their place. In October, we took a step toward changing that narrative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Malawi Chapter of the National Media Institute of Southern Africa (NAMISA). This partnership will empower journalists to uncover protection gaps, challenge harmful myths, and drive policy reforms that defend refugee rights.
To celebrate those who tell these critical stories, we are proud to sponsor an annual award for the Best Refugee Rights Story at the NAMISA Media Awards, held every 3rd May—recognizing journalism that gives refugees a platform, amplifies their experiences, and reminds us all that their rights are human rights.