May Press Review
National: South Africa election 2024: ‘You see skeletons’ - the deadly migrant crossing 4 April, 2024, BBC News Migrants continue to risk it all in order to seek asylum and opportunities in South Africa. With the influx of migrants typically traveling from Zimbabwe into South Africa, political tension and xenophobia are on the rise. The crossing of the Zimbabwean border into South Africa is dangerous due to wild animals and gangs of criminals that can be...
The Economic Power of Migration
Migration is a phenomenon that has existed since the beginning of human history, shaping societies and cultures into what we see today. As governments across the world increase restrictions on human mobility and intensify xenophobic rhetoric, it is essential to understand the positive impact of migration, particularly on the economies of host countries. A common narrative surrounding migration falsely asserts that foreigners hurt national workers, burden taxpayers and public services, and threaten public safety. However, numerous...
Exploring Regional Bodies in Africa and their Impact on Migration
The African continent is host to various regional bodies working towards common goals, including addressing the challenges of migration. In this blog post, we have identified key regional organizations in Africa and explore how they contribute to shaping migration policies, fostering cooperation, and upholding the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees. African Union (AU): At the heart of African collaboration is the African Union, a continental organization aiming to promote unity and solidarity among African nations. The AU's involvement...
The 1969 OAU Refugee Convention – A Vital Pillar for Human Dignity in Africa
As the world faces unprecedented levels of conflict, displacement, and migration, the need to ensure the rights and dignity of asylum seekers and refugees is more urgent than ever. While international discussion of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees intensifies, it is essential to shed light on another legal instrument that plays a critical role in protecting those forced to flee their homes – the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention. In response to new...
The White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection: Towards a Complete Overhaul of Migration Protection
Photo byJacques Nel on Unsplash On 10 November 2023, the Department of Home Affairs, South Africa published “The White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection: Towards a Complete Overhaul of Migration Protection”. This follows after the decision to embark on drafting of the new law which addresses the citizenship, immigration and refugee protection needs in the country. The White Paper has been published in the Government Gazette No. 49661 on 10 November 2023. The public and different...
“Still Fit for Purpose” – The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
Sudan, Niger, DRC, Ukraine/Russia, Israel/Palestine, the list is endless. The world is witnessing unprecedented levels of international and non-international armed conflicts across the globe; resulting in ongoing internal displacement of populations and mobility across borders as people search for refuge and protection no longer guaranteed in their homelands. + Now more than ever, individual citizens and activists must stand up for rights of asylum seekers and refugees; people who are being forced to leave their...
