19 Oct 2022

Botswana  has submitted a number of requests on behalf of refugees to the executive committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme 73rd session held in Geneva, Switzerland recently.

Speaking during a media briefing in Gaborone Tuesday, Minister of Justice, Mr Machana Shamukuni said among the requests was for refugee hosting countries to be assisted with cash to give to asylum seekers instead of food parcels.

Cash would enable them to make their own choices instead of getting uniform goods which they might not need, he said.

Mr Shamukuni said he also requested funding for a commercial market for asylum seekers to trade in order to earn income.

He however expressed concern about asylum seekers who moved from one country to another which he said affected resources.

As an example, he said 705 DRC asylum seekers granted protection in Zimbabwe proceeded to Botswana while 70 from Somalia, who were in South Africa, had done the same.

  All were still being assessed to see how best they could be assisted, said Mr Shamukuni. 

 Meanwhile, he said UNHCR had applauded Botswana for strengthening international cooperation in mitigating global development challenges.

The country was also hailed for  its open door policy and generosity in hosting refugees since 1978, said the minister. 

Mr Shamukuni said Botswana was applauded for showing remarkable support and solidarity with people fleeing to the country.

Botswana, he said,  had been doing well in providing health care, basic education as well as dignified shelter for asylum seekers.

Minister Shamukuni said 100 shelters at Dukwi Refugee Camp as well as 20 houses in Francistown were recently refurbished.

“The structures can accommodate families so we do not compromise values of a family,” he said.BOPA