04 Oct 2017

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security, Ms Segakweng Tsiane says Botswana hosts about 3 500 refugees and asylum seekers.

Speaking at the 68 th Session of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR High Commissioners in Geneva, Switzerland, Ms Tsiane said Botswana would like to see an escalation of the UNHCR support in the resolution of the Namibian and Zimbabwean refugees case load in Botswana.

She explained that Botswana believed there no longer existed conflict or security fears of any form in both countries and given the fact that security clearances had been given for the safe return of the citizens of both countries.

“We also appeal for a long term solution regarding the situation of refugees from the DRC and Somalia who constituted the highest numbers after refugees from Namibia and Zimbabwe,” she added.

She further explained that Botswana’s mission was to join, discuss and take collective responsibility with other member states in the provision of humanitarian response and support to refugees who found themselves having been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and protection.

“The Government of Botswana is committed to engaging with the UNHCR in an open and constructive manner in the implementation of CRRF. Needless to say such implementation will be executed within the provisions of our own domestic statutes and international law, as well as within the context of competing national priorities, in particular youth unemployment and poverty eradication which require a great deal of resources against a shrinking national budget and recorded deficit,” she added.

Ms Tsiane said Botswana was however, encouraged by the statement by the World Bank in terms of financial support “which we believe will be designed to meet the context and unique challenges of host countries if we are to realise sustainable solutions and alignment to the SDG goals, which we believe should remain a bed rock for the actualization of the New York declaration.”

She said Botswana as a member of the international community of states, stood firmly in the support of the ideals of the protection of refugees.
“We trust that our locally inspired policies of first country of asylum and encampment will be given due recognition and support within the Comprehensive Refugee Response framework.

It is our view that both policies fit like hand in glove in the burden sharing and response strategies as well as in achieving an efficient and well-co-ordinated services to the refugee community in Botswana relating to health, education and sustainable household food self-sufficiency,” he said.

The permanent secretary further explained that Botswana recognised the important role of the UNHCR in providing protection, assistance and durable solutions to millions of displaced people around the world, particularly in the regions of Africa and other areas that were grappling with emergency situations including conflict.

She said the UNHCR decision to scale down operations in Botswana would certainly affect the country’s ability to respond to refugee needs.

Ms Tsiane said in accordance with the objectives of the Framework, specifically budget raising and permanent solution, Botswana continued to facilitate refugees who opted to voluntarily repatriate back to their countries in particular those whose countries shared borders with Botswana.

“Our view is that the processes for repatriation should be re-engineered with a view to reduce turnaround time for the people wanting to return to countries so as to eliminate further psychological despondency and anxiety thereby speed up the process of healing and reconciliation. This element is fundamental for restoring the human dignity of a refugee," she added.

She said Botswana as a member considered definitive engagement with the UN Security Council and regional bodies like ECOWAS, IGAD, SADC and others for finding long term solutions to the underlying conflicts which were triggers for a refugee problem especially in Africa as well as committing resources for burden sharing and to ensure effective repatriation once positive indicators for the resolution of conflict were established.

Ms Tsiane further said following the 2016 New York Summit,  government of Botswana has intensified its support to refugees.

She said this included the review of Botswana's Refugee Act, implementation of the court order issued by the High Court of Botswana relating to the release of rejected asylum seekers from the Francistown Centre for Illegal Immigrants to Dukwi Refugee Camp, renovation and upgrading of the Dukwi Refugee Camp Clinic to a four bed maternity and a 24 hour clinic.

Others include the increased number of resident medical doctors and interns, increased number of classrooms for pre-school and the primary education within the Camp as well as collaboration with a local NGO in the provision of skills training.

She explained that currently Botswana was discussing with the United Nations Development Programme and a local conservation NGOs regarding a re-forestation and sustainable energy initiative in the Dukwi Camp.

“Furthermore, all refugees who have tested positive to HIV are enrolled within the government programme of 90:90:90 alongside the same protocols accorded Botswana citizens.

This is one area where the World Bank funding will be most welcome. " she added. ENDS