The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security has pledged to engage with multiple stakeholders to address the ongoing security concerns and human trafficking issues at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa district.
This follows a recent visit to the camp facilitated by Youth and Society (YAS) during which the committee was briefed on the pressing issues affecting the safety and well-being of refugees.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Wednesday, Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security, Salim Bagus said that the committee is working towards addressing the matter.
“We will be meeting with stakeholders in October to talk about the same issue and after that, we will give a tangible update,” he said.
The visit to Dzaleka revealed concerns raised by advocacy groups including Inua Advocacy, an organisation that advocates for refugee rights in Malawi and beyond. The issue was about the increasing incidents of human trafficking and other security challenges within the camp.
In a press statement released on September 17th signed by Chief Executive Officer for Inua Advocacy, Innocent Magambi called for swift and decisive action particularly against human trafficking networks operating openly in the camp.
“Traffickers are not hidden, they are well-known by name, nationality and residence, their houses are easily identifiable yet their illicit activities continue to thrive, fueling violent conflicts often involving firearms inside and outside the camp while arrests and prosecutions remain alarmingly low,” read part of the press release.
The organization emphasized the need for accountability, urging authorities to address the human trafficking issue, which has fueled violent conflicts both inside and outside the camp.
