Protecting Dignity and Long-Term Resilience in Dzaleka
Alice Apimbano at her farm in Dzaleka. Photo: UNOCHA/ Milka NdunguAmid Malawi’s severe drought, early humanitarian interventions have been vital i...
Dzaleka Camp Data & Statistics
Comprehensive data insights into Dzaleka Refugee Camp's population, resources, and operations.
- Total Refugees
- 57,438
- Women & Girls
- 60%
- Main Nationalities
- 5
Sources: WFP Malawi Country Brief (Dec 2024), UNHCR Malawi
Primary origins: DRC (62%), Burundi (19%), Rwanda (7%), Others (2%)
Camp Overview
Dzaleka Refugee Camp Overview
Established in 1994 in response to the Rwandan genocide and conflicts in Burundi and DRC
Located in Dowa District, about 45km north of Lilongwe, Malawi's capital
Originally designed for 10,000-12,000 refugees, now hosts over 60,000 people
Faces significant challenges with overcrowding and limited resources
Home to diverse entrepreneurial activities and small businesses
Supported by UNHCR, WFP, and various NGOs providing essential services
Source: Dzaleka Refugee Information Hub, 2024
Camp History
Camp History Timeline
1977
Luwani Camp Opens
Hosts Mozambican refugees
1989
Refugee Act Enacted
Legal framework established
1994
Dzaleka Camp Opens
Repurposed political prison
2007
Luwani Camp Closes
End of an era
2018
CRRF Adoption
New framework signed
2023
Forced Re-encampment
Urban refugees relocated
2024
Current Situation
Overcrowding in Dzaleka
Historical Background
Malawi's History of Hosting Refugees
- Luwani Camp opened in 1977 for Mozambican refugees, closed in 2007
- Dzaleka Camp, originally a political prison, repurposed in 1994 for refugees from Rwanda and Burundi
- Malawi hosted over one million Mozambican refugees during the 1980s and early 1990s
- Malawi ratified the UN Refugee Convention and enacted the Refugee Act in 1989
- Dzaleka's population has grown from 10,000-12,000 to over 60,000 by 2024
- Malawi has also experienced refugee outflows in the 1960s and 1970s due to political persecution
Source: Inua Advocacy
Legal Framework
Understanding the Laws Governing Refugees in Malawi
Refugee Act of 1989
The Refugee Act of 1989 establishes the legal framework for the reception, admission, and treatment of refugees in Malawi. While it aligns with key international refugee laws, it has faced criticism for being outdated and insufficient in addressing current refugee needs.
Reservations to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention
Malawi's reservations limit certain rights of refugees, including:
- Freedom of Movement: Refugees must reside in designated camps
- Employment: Restrictions on work outside camps
- Public Relief and Assistance: Limited access to social services
These reservations significantly impact refugees' ability to achieve self-sufficiency and integrate into Malawian society.
Source: Inua Advocacy
Demographics
Recent Events
Security
Aid Distribution Unrest
Unrest at Dzaleka Camp over distribution of aid materials
Dzaleka Camp
Security
Grenade Attack
Grenade attack on Burundian community leader Butoyi Fideli
Dzaleka Camp
Policy
Forced Relocation
Forced relocation of urban refugees back to Dzaleka Camp
Dzaleka Camp
Key Stakeholders
Government of Malawi
Policy Development
Responsible for policy development and enforcement of refugee laws
Policy DevelopmentRefugee Law Enforcement
UNHCR
Protection & Coordination
Provides protection, assistance, and coordinates humanitarian efforts
ProtectionAssistanceCoordination
Implementing Partners
Service Delivery
Contracted organizations delivering direct services
Service DeliveryContracted Organizations
Cooperating Partners
Specialized Services
Organizations focusing on specific aspects, approved by Ministry
Specialized ServicesApproved by Ministry
CBOs
Community Services
Refugee-led initiatives providing essential services
Community ServicesRefugee-led Initiatives
Donors
Funding
Governments and organizations providing funding support
Funding SupportGovernments and Organizations
Economic Impact
Entrepreneurship(85%)
Refugee-run businesses and shops
Agriculture(70%)
Farming partnerships and production
Job Creation(65%)
Employment opportunities
Skills Transfer(55%)
Knowledge and expertise sharing
Local Trade(80%)
Market integration and commerce
Healthcare Services
Medical Staff(30%)
Severe Shortage - Limited number of qualified personnel, High patient-to-doctor ratio, Staff burnout
Basic Care(45%)
Strained - Overcrowded facilities, Long waiting times, Limited equipment
Specialized Care(20%)
Limited - Few specialists available, Limited diagnostic equipment, Referral system challenges
Medicine Access(35%)
Inadequate - Frequent stockouts, Storage limitations, Supply chain issues
Emergency Services(25%)
Critical - Limited ambulance services, Night-time access issues, Emergency equipment shortage
Additional Demographics
Camp Demographics
Congolese
39.3%(37,245)
Majority fled conflicts in Eastern DRC
Challenges:
- • Overcrowding in Dzaleka Camp
- • Limited access to healthcare services
- • Insufficient educational facilities
- • Restricted movement outside camp
Support:
- • UNHCR Core Protection Services
- • WFP Food Assistance (Monthly)
- • UNHCR Shelter Support
- • UNHCR Education Grants
Burundians
13.3%(12,604)
Displaced by political instability
Challenges:
- • Limited livelihood opportunities in camp
- • Language barriers with local community
- • Access to secondary education
- • Integration with host community
Support:
- • UNHCR Core Protection Services
- • WFP Food Assistance (Monthly)
- • UNHCR Livelihood Programs
- • UNHCR Education Support
Rwandans
7.5%(7,135)
Long-term residents since 1994
Challenges:
- • Limited employment opportunities
- • Housing maintenance in camp
- • Access to higher education
- • Social services capacity
Support:
- • UNHCR Core Protection Services
- • WFP Food Assistance (Monthly)
- • UNHCR Self-Reliance Programs
- • UNHCR Community Support
Mozambique
0%(35)
Fled ongoing civil conflict
Challenges:
- • Small community representation
- • Access to specialized services
- • Cultural preservation
- • Integration with larger communities
Support:
- • UNHCR Core Protection Services
- • WFP Food Assistance (Monthly)
- • UNHCR Community-Based Protection
- • UNHCR Integration Support
Others
39.8%(37,664)
Various African nations
Challenges:
- • Diverse cultural needs in camp
- • Access to specialized services
- • Community representation
- • Integration challenges
Support:
- • UNHCR Core Protection Services
- • WFP Food Assistance (Monthly)
- • UNHCR Community Support
- • UNHCR Integration Programs
Source: Government, UNHCR
Latest News
Euro Film Festival Brings Global Cinema to Dzaleka
On June 8, 2025, Salama Africa Hall in Dzaleka hosted a special screening as part of the European Film Festival Malawi (EFFMw). This event marked a...
Families in Dzaleka Struggle as Aid Cuts Threaten Basic Survival
Families in Dzaleka Refugee Camp are facing their harshest reality yet. Funding cuts to humanitarian programmes have left over 53,000 refugees in a...
JWL Students Lead Clean-Up and Community Bonding at Dzaleka Learning Centre
Around 60 students and staff from Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL) in Dzaleka came together to clean their community learning centre, turning it int...
105 Asylum Seekers Plead for Relocation to Dzaleka Camp
Chitipa, 06 June 2025 — At least 105 asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently abandoned in a forest in Chitipa, are appealing...
New Livelihood Project to Boost Food Security and Resilience in Dzaleka
Good Neighbors International Malawi has announced the launch of a new initiative focused on strengthening food security and building resilience amo...
U.S. Law Firm Supports Student-Invented Menstrual Pad Project for Dzaleka Refugee Camp
A group of high school students from The Pennington School in New Jersey, USA, have taken a major step in their mission to support women and girls ...
Inua Advocacy Marks Second Anniversary of Forced Refugee Re-Encampment in Malawi
On 17 May 2023, the Government of Malawi initiated a controversial operation that forcibly relocated thousands of refugees from urban areas back to...
There is Hope Highlights Impact of Vocational Training in Dowa
There is Hope Executive Director, Catherine Ndege Chirwa, has emphasised the transformative power of vocational training in empowering residents of...
There is Hope Celebrates Graduation of 106 Vocational Learners
There is Hope Programme Manager, Doreen Fatshi, who has reaffirmed the importance of professional skills in driving self-reliance and national deve...
Saint Louis University Students in Malawi Embrace Opportunity to Be Part of University Community
Patricia Bass, Ph.D., SLU-JWL program director, talks to students at the Dzaleka. Submitted Photo.Saint Louis University (SLU), in collaboration wi...
Inua Advocacy Marks Four Years of Impact in Malawi Refugee Rights
On April 27, 2025, Inua Advocacy celebrated its fourth anniversary, reflecting on significant strides made in advancing refugee rights in Malawi. T...
Starlink Brings Reliable Internet to Dzaleka, Transforming Education and Access
A new wave of connectivity has arrived at Dzaleka Refugee Camp, bringing life-changing opportunities for students like Govrin, who now has somethin...
Malawi Red Cross Donates K130 Million in Support to Mozambican Asylum Seekers Ahead of Relocation to Dzaleka
Nyamithuthu Camp, Nsanje District — The Malawi Red Cross Society, with backing from the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), has donat...
What a refugee camp reveals about economics
Photograph: Álvaro BernisIt is Malawi’s rainy season and smartly dressed worshippers are spilling out from church. Couples, arm-in-arm, dodge potho...
Dzaleka Faces Food Crisis as WFP Warns of Possible Suspension of Food Assistance
Dzaleka Refugee Camp — The World Food Program (WFP) has raised alarm over a looming suspension of food assistance at Dzaleka Refugee Camp if urgent...
Dzaleka Authorities Warn of Food Shortages as Population Grows
Authorities at Dzaleka Camp have raised concerns over food shortages driven by rapid population growth.Camp Manager Elton Phulusa stated that the c...
Refugees at Dzaleka Call for Industrial Spaces and Farming Training Amid Economic Challenges
Refugees at Dzaleka Camp have requested industrial spaces and training in proper farming practices to establish sustainable and reliable economic l...
Women Palm Tree Organization Donates Sewing Machines to Umodzi Katudza Primary School
In a bid to alleviate some financial constraints that Umodzi Katudza Primary School girls face during their menstruation period, the Women Palm Tre...
Dzaleka Health Center Receives Medical Supplies Worth Over MK 102 Million
Dzaleka Health Center clinical in charge, Henry Lali, has highlighted the urgent need for more medical drugs to adequately serve patients.Speaking ...
Red Cross Program Reunites Refugees with Family Members
DOWA, Malawi — When the phone rings, 80-year-old Veronica Bononga's frail hands tremble with anticipation. For a moment, she forgets the hardships ...
African Development Bank Explores Partnership with UNHCR to Support Refugees
The African Development Bank is seeking partnership opportunities with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to improve the liv...
WUSC Launches ArTERY Project to Boost Youth Self-Reliance in Dzaleka
Senior Administrative and Operations Manager in the Department for Refugees under the Ministry of Homeland Security, Hilda Alinafe Katema, has comm...
How a Secret Migrant Trafficking Syndicate Took Over Malawi
An aerial view of a safe house inside Dzaleka Refugee Camp where criminal gangs house trafficked Ethiopian migrants.An in-depth investigation has u...
Dzaleka Innovators Forum Launched to Drive Community Growth
Dzaleka Innovators Forum Coordinator, Japhet Chris Rugema, has called on residents to develop impactful innovations to gain external recognition an...
Emergency Alerts
Refugee Population Surge
Significant increase in refugee numbers at Dzaleka Camp, creating escalating challenges for resource allocation.
December 2024
Food Ration Reduction Risk
Current funding only maintains 75% food rations until February 2025. Urgent additional resources needed.
December 2024
Malnutrition Cases Rising
SAM admissions increased by 21% and MAM admissions surged by 185% in November 2024.
November 2024
Emergency Food Distribution
WFP providing assistance to 56,760 refugees (60% women) in Dzaleka Camp.
December 2024
Finance
UNHCR Funding 2024
View ReportTotal Budget$26.3M
Funded$3.8M (14.5%)
Funding Gap$22.5M (85.5%)
Last updated: 6/15/2025
Resources
WFP Malawi Country Brief
December 2024Latest statistics on refugee population, food assistance, and humanitarian needs in Dzaleka Camp.
UNHCR Malawi Data Portal
2024Comprehensive data on refugee demographics, countries of origin, and camp statistics.
ReliefWeb Malawi Updates
2024Latest news and situation reports about Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
Inua Advocacy Research
2024Research and advocacy reports on refugee rights and community development in Dzaleka.