The Minister of Justice Machana Shamukuni says that despite efforts by the government to urge refugees at Dukwi Refugee Camp to consider integrating with locals by acquiring Botswana citizenship, they are reluctant to heed the call.
Botswana is a host to around 760 refugees and asylum-seekers from countries such as Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
Addressing a World Refugee Commemoration Day hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at Dukwi Refugee Camp last week, Shamukuni expressed regret that such an effort has not borne much fruit.
“I urged Refugees to consider local integration as an option, but I regret that very low number of applications have been received,” he said.
He said local integration is meant to give refugees an opportunity to apply for land and settle anywhere they wish after they have acquired Botswana citizenship.
Meanwhile the Minister said he will present a Bill at the next Parliament session that seeks to amend the Refugees (Recognition and Control) Act in order to align it to best international practices.
He said for Refugees to feel welcome, they must have an interest in the affairs of the host country. The Minister said it is to the refugees’ advantage to learn and embrace the way of life, culture and language of the host communities. He showered accolades on UNHCR for its continuous support for refugees by helping the government with food and non-food items.
Some of these items include amongst others, housing, grant money for livelihoods and medical expenses. Meanwhile the minister also expressed worry over some foreigners who arrive in Botswana on the pretense of seeking asylum and soon after being approved, they vanish into thin air.
“We suspect that these are people who are engaged in human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. We have engaged security experts on this matter to ensure protection of all,” he said.
For his part UNHCR Head of Field Office and Liason Officer to the SADC Secretariat Madoda Nasha said UNHCR office continues to suffer major financial challenges in the administration of its overall protection mandate.
“I can inform you that USD10.622 billion is needed to support a projected 130,8 million forcibly displaced stateless persons in 133 countries and territories across the world. This is a truly sobering sum that we desperately need,” he said.
Nasha said over the years, new conflicts have flared up while others remain unresolved. He also said at the same time, extreme weather events have been devastating displacing communities and further exacerbating the situation. He said it is important to note that seeking refuge is not a choice but the only viable option for many to survive and find peace. He however commended Botswana government for taking on several projects and initiatives to include the amendment of the Refugee Act at the Global Refugee Forum.
“Furthermore, such commitments have been incorporated into the Second Transitional National Development (April 2023 – March 2025) thereby making them part and parcel of the national development agenda,” he added.
Nasha also said no action is small as committing to include refugees in schools, workplaces, healthcare systems and communities is the most effective way to support and rebuild their lives.
