20 Apr 2021

The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security says it has noted, with dismay, a misleading article carried by the Sunday Standard Newspaper of 18-24 April 2021, headlined: ‘UNHCR against repatriation of Zimbabwean refugees’.

A news release from the ministry says government, as a member of the United Nations, respects and recognises the independence of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in execution of its mandate.

It thus says in addressing the issue of the repatriation of Zimbabwean nationals from the Dukwi refugee camp, there was extensive consultation with Zimbabwe and the UNHCR, in accordance with international instruments governing the reparation of refugees.

It further points out that as such, the three parties resolved that conditions in Zimbabwe were conducive for return of the Zimbabwean refuges to their country of origin.

“It is important to highlight that in line with its protection mandate, the UNHCR independently and without interference from the government of Botswana, invoked its own processes to identify and determine individuals in need of continued international protection,” the release says.

It says subsequently, a list of people eligible for continued international protection was established and in this regard, it was decided that the eligible refugees will remain in the country, while those who did not meet the international protection criteria will be repatriated to Zimbabwe, in accordance with relevant international law.

The release further says the affected individuals were accordingly informed and afforded an opportunity to take up voluntary repatriation under an arrangement between the governments of Botswana and Zimbabwe, as well as the UNHCR.

“However, those who declined to be repatriated voluntarily were informed that they will be subjected to the Botswana Immigration Act regulations,” it says.

The news release says the ministry would like to assure all stakeholders and the public that no decision was taken unilaterally as implied in the aforesaid article. ENDS