Additional Context: Dzaleka camp is located over 40 kilometers from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, and home to nearly 60,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Somalia, and Rwanda. According to Devex reporting, U.S. foreign assistance cuts have meant that refugees are struggling to survive on dwindling food rations and face rising malnutrition rates, and are increasingly turning to desperate measures such as sex work and theft to support their families.

Due to the scarce resources, children as young as 10 years old are being pushed into work to support their families — leaving them at heightened risk of exploitation and abuse. The increase in crime documented by the local police is primarily household break-ins and thefts.

Source: Devex