The Malawi High Commission in Pretoria has come under fire for allegedly leaving hundreds of Malawians stranded in South Africa without adequate shelter while awaiting their return home. Humanitarian groups said the situation is now a grave humanitarian crisis, with many migrants freezing in sub-zero temperatures sleeping outdoors.
During an interview on the News and Views segment of Salaamedia, independent researcher Mariam Jooma Carichi said a group of volunteers and organisations have been working to help stranded migrants. Food, blankets and medical help are being distributed. Yet, she believes that it should not be left to the volunteers.
Over 100 people, including women and children, have been sleeping outside the High Commission since late June, according to Carichi. Security guards allegedly allowed them to sleep in a basement later. However, as she said, it is an open concrete area, without the beds, carpets or heating.
The conditions are unsafe and as people exposed to the cold every night are getting sick, she said. Volunteering doctors at the site have treated many of the migrants for respiratory diseases that could have been avoided had they been sheltered.
Several attempts were made to privately raise these concerns with officials at the High Commission before the open letter was released, said Carichi. She stated that the ambassador indicated there were not enough resources within the mission to help all. Carichi, however, disagreed, indicating that opening the building to let people sleep inside does not represent the kind of use that costs money.
She highlighted the case of the Mozambican Embassy, whose own nationals were taken in as they awaited repatriation.
South Africa’s immigration debate was also discussed in the interview. Carichi did admit that many South Africans find themselves under economic pressure in reality but migrants should not be the problem. Pakistan is suffering from several fundamental issues which contribute to instability, she argued, poverty, inequality and poor governance.
Before concluding the interview, Carichi urged the public to assist agencies that are helping the stranded migrants with supplies like food, blankets and hygiene products. Individuals are facing disruptions of services and declining crop produce due to the monsoon rains. Moreover, there is a further spread of diseases.
The government of Malawi has not yet made a public response. During this period, humanitarian groups are calling for urgent action to ensure safe shelter and basic care for stranded migrants while they wait to go home.
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Image via Wicnews.
