By Dr Tapiwa Mashakada

In terms of International Humanitarian Law, governments have a duty to protect refugees,internally displaced persons, returnees and stateless persons.

The forced quarantine of Returnees violates their human rights.

They must be given an option to choose a place for detention…

Gvt should look for homes to settle the returnees rather than lock then up in dormitories.

Similarly refugees must be treated in terms of International law.

In particular during this period of lockdown the principle of non-refoulement must be respected.

Refugees need food, water and sanitation during this lockdown period. The same applies to internally displaced people especially those who have migrated to rural areas.

There has to be a holistic social protection strategy.