The government plans to better include refugees in national development efforts, provide them with identity and travel documents, and address cases where people risk becoming stateless.

At the World Refugee Day event held at the Dukwi Refugee Settlement, about 560 kilometres northeast of Gaborone, Botswana’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nelson Ramaotwana , stressed that everyone seeking asylum in Botswana deserves basic rights and the chance to be heard.

Ramaotwana also spoke about efforts to end indefinite detention of asylum seekers at Francistown’s centre for illegal immigrants. He clarified that the government’s actions show solidarity with refugees and align with Botswana’s Constitution, which protects people from unlawful detention.

Progress has been made in reviewing refugee camps and streamlining procedures for issuing identity and travel documents. A dedicated panel now oversees refugee integration, and officials are hopeful that new documentation systems will be in place before the end of the financial year.

Earlier this month, around 4 069 asylum seekers were moved from the detention centre in Francistown to the Dukwi Refugee Camp. Despite facing resource challenges, Minister Ramona reaffirmed the government’s ongoing support for refugees.

Johnson Mikayo, Chairperson of the Refugees Welfare Committee, expressed gratitude to the Botswana government. “On behalf of the refugee community, we sincerely thank the government for recognising our rights and allowing us to live with dignity. We stand here today full of thanks,” he said.

World Refugee Day was first marked in 1974 as Africa Day by the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. The day draws attention to the resilience of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people across Africa, many of whom have been forced to flee due to conflict, war or political persecution.

--ChannelAfrica--