Operational environment
The political environment in Malawi remained stable throughout 2018. However, the restrictive domestic legal framework and the congestion of Dzaleka refugee camp have led to various protection risks. Discussions with the Government of Malawi on finding alternative sites for settlement remained ongoing at year-end.
The Government expressed interest in the CRRF several times during the year.
Population trends
At the end of 2018, Malawi was hosting some 37,240 people of concern, including 13,780 refugees, 23,140 asylum-seekers and 320 other people of concern. The majority of refugees and asylum-seekers are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The population of concern in Malawi increased by 5% since the end of 2017.
Key achievements
- The Government of Malawi’s roll out of CRRF is underway with the multi-year multi-partner protection solution strategy aligned for implementation;
- Malawi had a 98% recognition rate for refugees;
- The Malawi Growth Development Strategy III made a commitment to greater inclusion of refugees at the district level development planning;
- DAFI, UNHCR’s higher education scholarship programme, was rolled out in Malawi, supporting the enrolment of six refugee students in Malawian universities.
- UNHCR and the Government signed an MoU on data sharing, which granted the Government access to UNHCR’s ProGres registration system and biometric identity management system.
- UNHCR constructed a 25 hectare solar powered irrigation scheme benefiting persons of concern and the host community.
- All the Mozambican asylum-seekers hosted in Luwani camp returned with UNHCR’s assistance, and the camp facilities were handed over to the Government.
Unmet needs
The planned relocation of refugees and asylum-seekers from Dzaleka camp to a potential new site did not materialize in 2018. New asylum-seekers continued to arrive creating further congestion. Due to the congestion in Dzaleka camp, lack of learning spaces and classrooms is a major challenge. Over 60% of children did not have access to primary education. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to increase WASH facilities in the camp as 46 communal latrines caters for over 37,000 people, resulting in one latrine for 800 people.