UNHCR prevents Mozambican delegation entering Malawi refugee camps

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

UNHCR prevents Mozambican delegation entering Malawi refugee camps

12:13 CAT | 13 May 2016

Officials representing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malawi have prevented a delegation from Mozambique entering the Kapise and Luwani camps where, according to Folha de Maputo “displaced Mozambicans are living”.

The paper reports: “The mission is in Malawi following the understanding reached between Presidents Filipe Nyusi and Peter Mutharika on April 25 in Lilongwe for the two governments to work together in the displaced persons centres and examine ways for their return [to Mozambique].”

However, UNHCR representatives in Malawi maintain that, despite the decision of the two heads of state, only its headquarters in Geneva can authorize visits to the two centres, as dictated by international conventions.

The UNHCR is maintaining its position “despite political will at the highest level that the issue of displaced Mozambicans in Malawi be properly resolved, according to what President Nyusi said at the time,” stresses the Folha report.

The UNHCR’s position is that the governments of Mozambique and Malawi should formalize the political decision of the heads of state regarding voluntary repatriation, saying that “otherwise, displaced Mozambicans may not leave Malawi”.

Source: Folha de Maputo