The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions at Dzaleka Refugee Camp, citing overcrowding and dwindling resources since the government’s refugee relocation exercise.

As Malawi marked World Refugee Day on June 20, MHRC Director of Political and Civil Rights, Peter Chisi, warned that a potential full withdrawal of support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) could have devastating consequences for the camp's residents.

“There has been a sharp decline in funding from both UNHCR and the World Food Programme,” Chisi noted. “This has placed immense pressure on already limited resources. Refugees are struggling to access basic necessities and opportunities, largely due to restricted movement and inadequate support.”

Chisi called for urgent intervention to safeguard refugee rights and improve living conditions, stressing that the current situation is critical and demands immediate attention from all stakeholders.

Echoing these concerns, Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Chairperson Gift Trapence urged a comprehensive review of Malawi’s Refugee Act.

“Our refugee laws must evolve to meet the changing realities,” Trapence said. “The existing legal framework may no longer be adequate to address the complex challenges refugees face today.”

It has been three years since the government initiated the relocation of refugees from urban areas back to Dzaleka Camp. Since then, conditions have reportedly deteriorated, with human rights organizations warning that without reform and renewed support, the situation could further spiral out of control.

(Written By: Sarah Tembo)