Nineteen Malawians have paid the price for outdated refugee rules — now the Human Rights Commission wants change.
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has urged government to fast-track a new refugee law, warning that the country’s 37 year old legislation no longer protects refugees and asylum seekers.
In a statement, the commission called on the Minister of Homeland Security to expedite submission of the proposed Refugees (Protection and Management) Bill to Cabinet.
The draft law follows a review by the Special Law Commission, chaired by Justice Professor Redson Kapindu, which presented its report on October 9.
MHRC says the existing Refugees Act, enacted in 1989 during the Mozambican civil war, predates the 1994 Constitution and fails to meet current human rights and refugee management needs.
The commission argues gaps in the law have worsened institutional and infrastructure challenges in handling refugees.
The proposed bill seeks to modernize refugee status determination, admission procedures, welfare provisions, and protection of vulnerable groups such as women, children and persons with disabilities.
It also recommends amending the Disaster Risk Management Act to cover asylum seekers who temporarily seek refuge in Malawi during disasters.
MHRC has urged Cabinet to prioritize the legislation, saying replacing the outdated law would strengthen Malawi’s ability to manage refugee affairs while safeguarding rights.
The Special Law Commission is expected to submit its full report and draft bill to Cabinet for consideration.