Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana has taken steps to address concerns raised by human rights activists regarding the detention of asylum-seeking children at the Francistown Centre for Illegal Immigrants.
The government has confirmed to the United Nations’ committee on torture that it has decided to relocate children and other asylum seekers to Dukwi Refugee Camp. This move is seen as a positive development by human rights activists.
According to the government’s report submitted to the UN, the decision to relocate asylum-seekers to the Dukwi Refugee Camp was made in 2021 to prevent their prolonged detention at the Francistown Centre for Illegal Immigrants. The report highlights the establishment of a multi-dimensional stakeholder committee to explore alternatives to detention for irregular migrants. This committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Labour & Home Affairs, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice.
The report also mentions the voluntary repatriation of some rejected asylum-seekers and irregular migrants as part of an ongoing exercise. It emphasises the collaboration between relevant ministries in identifying and verifying irregular migrants by authorities from their countries of origin. The government is implementing measures, such as providing surety, to release irregular migrants under certain conditions.
Regarding reception conditions, the report states that all asylum-seekers now reside in Dukwi Refugee Camp, where they have access to social services like health, security, education, food, and shelter. For unaccompanied and separated children, the government has abolished retaining them at the Francistown Centre for Illegal Immigrants. Instead, they are referred to places of safety, where they can access basic needs and support.
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are reportedly placed with foster parents or families within their nationalities at the Dukwi Refugee Camp, allowing them to benefit from familiar language, culture, and food. The government also intends to develop a formal referral mechanism for dealing with unaccompanied children.
The report mentions policy considerations for the review of legislation governing the Francistown Centre for Illegal Immigrants, with the construction of houses to accommodate families with children at the Centre. Additionally, the government has entered reservations to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, citing the Constitution’s provision for the differential treatment of non-citizens.
Overall, the government of Botswana appears to be taking steps to address concerns related to the treatment and conditions of asylum seekers, especially children, with a focus on alternatives to detention and improving reception conditions.
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