The International Judo Federation (IJF) are working with the Judo Association of Malawi on the scheme in the African country.

It will take place at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp with the IJF providing equipment such as tatamis and judogis and ensuring logistical and organisational follow-up.

The peace programme will aim to build on the educational potential of judo to bring diverse groups of people together.

"It will recreate a collective identity, and strengthen unity, fighting stereotypes and building on trust, discipline, friendship, respect, politeness, courage, honour and modesty, which are the fundamental values of the moral code of judo," a statement said.

"All refugees will be welcomed with open arms. 

"Based on its own status, the federation plans to set up the necessary structures for regular and supervised practice in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp."

Twenty-thousand people live in the camp, which was set-up by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 1994.

People living there have fled conflict in countries including Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Most of the refugees present are women and children.

"Through this new Judo for Peace project, we intend to raise the awareness of the public to the needs that refugees have in our countries," the Judo Federation of Malawi said in a statement.

"We regularly have to accommodate people escaping from conflict areas.

"Through judo, we want to offer a safe space where the most vulnerable young people can develop physically, mentally and emotionally." 

With the support of the Embassy of Japan, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency and the Sports Council, a judo project was initially launched in Malawi's capital city Lilongwe in 2015.

The IJF is also working with refugees in Turkey, Zambia and South Africa.