IOM Malawi Chief of Mission Fatma Said has visited Dzaleka Refugee Camp to assess conditions, meet key stakeholders and hear directly about the challenges facing residents.

The International Organization for Migration’s Chief of Mission in Malawi, Fatma Said, recently visited Dzaleka Refugee Camp as part of efforts to better understand conditions at the camp and inform future interventions.

During a courtesy meeting with camp management, Said met Deputy Commissioner for Refugees Ivy Mpina, who provided an overview of the camp and the work being carried out by the Department for Refugees.

Mpina highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain security in Dzaleka but said insufficient funding remains a major challenge, particularly as humanitarian needs continue to grow while donor support declines.

During a visit to the reception centre, the delegation learned that Dzaleka continues to receive more than 300 new arrivals each month.

According to IOM Malawi, new arrivals are temporarily accommodated in tents and may remain there for up to six months before being integrated into the wider camp. The organisation noted overcrowding and the poor condition of reception facilities among the major concerns observed during the visit.

Said also met refugee community leaders, who raised concerns about limited food supplies and ongoing security challenges within the camp.

The delegation later visited selected locations locally known as “kholas,” which IOM described as areas of concern in relation to possible human trafficking activity. No people were present at the locations at the time of the visit.

IOM said the tour was intended to help the organisation better understand possible trafficking patterns and the vulnerabilities faced by people living in and around the camp.

The visit concluded with an engagement with Ubuntu, a local organisation providing free education to children and supporting work on child-protection issues in Dzaleka.

IOM Malawi said the visit provided important insight into the operational realities at the camp and strengthened engagement with government officials, refugee leaders and local organisations.

The organisation thanked the Department for Refugees, camp management, refugee community leaders, Ubuntu, the police and other partners for their cooperation during the visit.