Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter
November 3, 2026
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has called on government to fully operationalise the Karonga refugee transit shelter, warning that gaps in refugee reception arrangements could be contributing to irregular migration, smuggling and human trafficking.
MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman said the commission’s investigations had uncovered serious gaps in the management of refugee movements through Malawi’s northern border areas, particularly Karonga and Chitipa.
Osman revealed that no refugees or asylum seekers had officially used the two border points since April 2025, despite reports indicating that some individuals continued entering Malawi through the routes.
She said the situation raised concerns about the country’s ability to monitor, document and protect people entering through unofficial channels.
Osman made the remarks in Mzuzu during a media engagement on refugee rights held at Chatonda Lodge, where the commission shared findings from its investigations.
The MHRC believes fully operationalising the Karonga transit shelter would strengthen refugee reception and screening procedures while helping authorities identify vulnerable individuals and prevent criminal networks from exploiting irregular migration routes.
Meanwhile, Department of Refugees Eligibility Officer Modester Mwafulirwa attributed some of the challenges to inadequate funding, saying financial limitations were affecting the effective management of refugee reception facilities.
Mwafulirwa explained that although the shelters remain open, some refugees choose not to stay because they are required to meet certain expenses using their own resources.
She commended the MHRC for conducting the study, describing its findings as important in strengthening the protection of refugees and improving coordination among institutions responsible for managing migration.
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She also acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in combating smuggling and irregular migration, stressing the importance of continued collaboration.
The concerns highlight the need for stronger border management systems that balance national security with Malawi’s legal and humanitarian obligations towards refugees and asylum seekers.
With reports of undocumented entries persisting along the northern border, the full operationalisation of the Karonga transit shelter could become an important step towards closing gaps in refugee registration, protection and migration monitoring.
