* While recognising that Malawi has consistently opened its borders and hearts to those in need (asylum seekers), offering safety where others have turned away
* As it joins the commemoration of World Refugee Day under the theme; ‘Solidarity with Refugees’ — which calls for urgent action to strengthen inclusive, resilient health systems that leave no one behind
By Duncan Mlanjira
On the commemoration of World Refugee Day, Inua Advocacy hails Malawi that though under-resourced, the country “has consistently opened its borders and hearts to those in need (asylum seekers), offering safety where others have turned away”.
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“This generosity is a reflection of our national identity as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’,” says Inua Advocasy chief executive officer, Innocent Magambi in a statement. “Our strength lies not in material wealth but in deeply rooted values.
“Guided by Ubuntu (‘I am because we are’), Malawi sees refugees not as outsiders, but as fellow human beings deserving of dignity and protection. We welcome them not out of convenience, but out of conviction.
“On this day, Inua Advocacy commends the people of Malawi and the government for upholding these values.”
Innocent Magambi
However, Inua Advocasy expresses concern over the manner Malawi Department of Immigration deported Congolese asylum seekers in Karonga.
Inua say reports indicate that the asylum seekers “were misled by immigration officers — moved from Karonga to Chitipa under false promises of being transported to Dzaleka, only to be returned and allegedly forced across the border into Tanzania”.
It also takes note of additional arrests in Mzuzu and “unlawful deportation of asylum seekers to Zambia via Rumphi raise further concerns, contravening both national and international legal standards”.
Dzaleka
“These incidents bear troubling resemblance to the unresolved injustices of forced relocations of two years ago,” says the statement. “We urge authorities to launch a thorough investigation, hold accountable those responsible, and implement urgent reforms to strengthen refugee protection.
“This is an opportunity to reaffirm Malawi’s commitment to dignity, justice, and the rule of law for all who seek safety within its borders.”
Inua takes cognizance that as “global support shrinks, Malawi must remain firm — let us protect our identity, preserve our humanity, and continue to welcome those who need us most”.
“As the world marks World Refugee Day, Inua Advocacy stands in solemn reflection and strong solidarity with the millions forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, and political instability.
“Amid this growing crisis, powerful nations, many self-declared champions of democracy and human rights are turning away from compassion.
“Instead of offering safety and dignity, they close borders, criminalise migration, and politicise asylum, even while fully aware of the causes driving displacement.”
Thus Inua Advocasy maintains that “this global indifference stands in stark contrast to Malawi’s longstanding commitment to refugees” with emphasis that “though under-resourced, Malawi has consistently opened its borders and hearts to those in need, offering safety where others have turned away”.
Each year, June 20 marks World Refugee Day, the international day to honour people who have been forced to flee and this year’s theme is; ‘Solidarity with Refugees’ — which calls for “urgent action to strengthen inclusive, resilient health systems that leave no one behind”.
United Nations High Commission of Refugees (UNHCR) says on its website that “protracted displacement rises, many fleeing conflict and disasters are spending over a decade awaiting legal recognition”.
“Together, we can champion their right to seek safety, build support for their economic and social inclusion, and advocate for solutions to their plight.”
The day was designated by the United Nations “to honour refugees around the globe to shine a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilise political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but thrive”.
“While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution.”
The World Refugee Day was first held globally on June 20, 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees — which was originally known as Africa Refugee Day, before the United Nations General Assembly officially designated it as an international day in December 2000.
Each year, World Refugee Day is marked by a variety of events in many countries around the globe in support of refugees which include leading by or involving refugees themselves, government officials, host communities, companies, celebrities and school children among others.
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