By Vincent Gunde
As the world marks World Refugee Day, the Inua Advocacy says it stands in solemn reflection and strong solidarity with the millions forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, and political instability in their respective countries.
The Advocacy says 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.
The organization has claimed that these countries are criminalizing immigration, politicizing asylum even while fully aware of the courses driving displacement in countries where these asylum seekers were previously living.
Writing in a statement marking World Refugee Day which falls on 20th June every year signed by Inua Advocacy’s Chief Executive Officer Innocent Magambi, the Inua Advocacy has commended the people of Malawi and the government for upholding refugees and asylum seekers values.
Inua Advocacy says this global indifference stands in stark contrast to Malawi’s longstanding commitment to refugees, though under-resourced, saying Malawi has consistently opened its borders and hearts to those in need, offering safety where others have turned away.
The organization, however, says they are concerned by recent developments involving Congolese Asylum Seekers where Reports are indicating that they were misled by Immigration officers they were moved from Karonga to Chitipa under false promises of being transported to Dzaleka Camp in Dowa only to be returned to the border into Tanzania.
“Additional arrests in Mzuzu and the unlawful deportation of asylum seekers to Zambia via Rumphi raise further concerns, contravening both national and international legal standards,” reads the statement in part.
The Inua Advocacy says these incidents bear troubling resemblance to the unresolved injustices of forced relocations of 2 years ago, urging the authorities to launch a thorough investigation, hold accountable those responsible, and implement urgent reforms to strengthen refugee protection.
The organization says this is an opportunity to reaffirm Malawi’s commitment to dignity, justice and the rule of law for all who seek safety within its border saying as global support shrinks, Malawi must remain firm, and continue to welcome these refugees and asylum seekers to protect its dignity and preserve their humanity.
