21 Jun 2022

Government has been applauded for continuing to ensure that asylum seekers find home in Dukwi camp where they live dignified, healthy and safe lives with the resources and support they need.

Speaking at the commemoration of World Refugee day in Dukwi on Monday Minister of Justice, Mr Machana Shamukuni said Botswana continued to maintain an open door asylum policy in line with its international obligations ensuring that internal security was maintained.

The minister said all asylum seekers were assessed by trained and dedicated team of senior officers who diligently assessed each application based on the criteria set out in the refugee laws, both nationally and internationally.

‘’Government is also committed to fulfilling its international mandate of providing protection and assistance to all asylum seekers and refugees in order to contribute to their general welfare and the maintenance of our country’s internal security,’’ he said.

He also expressed gratitude to all individuals, organisations, and countries that had for decades offered services to asylum seekers.

Mr Shamukuni said the day was also a moment to honour the generosity of communities for welcoming refugees and the dedication of humanitarian workers across the world who provided life-saving assistance to fellow human beings in need.

On other issues, Mr Shamukuni urged refugees to join hands with government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic by adhering to protocols.

For her part, refugee welfare committee chairperson, Ms Patience Takaona thanked government for protecting and promoting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

She also appreciated the services offered by government as well as education which was accessible to their children from primary to tertiary schools.

Furthermore, she said they appreciated tireless effort of the government in making sure that lives were kept out of danger during COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Takaona decried lack of market for their businesses in the camp and urged government to allow them to operate their businesses in nearby villages. She said that would develop self-reliance among refugee and do away with dependency syndrome.

The refugee settlement in Dukwi is host to over 800 refugees mainly from Eastern and Central parts of Africa, and a growing number of asylum seekers from the same areas particularly the DRC and Somalia. ENDS