In late April 2020, hundreds of refugees in Malawi were rounded up and sent to refugee camps. The move comes amid increasing reports of xenophobia against refugees and asylum seekers in the country.
The decision to move the refugees was made by the Malawian government and was part of a response to concerns over the health and security of the refugee population. The camps now shelter more than 10,000 refugees who had been living in urban settings, with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) saying these camps offer a unique opportunity to learn and integrate. The camps provide access to essential services such as education, health care and protection.