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...
Legal Stay Granted for Zimbabwean Migrants
Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash On June 28th, the Pretoria High Court declared that the Minister of DHA’s decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) was “unlawful and unconstitutional.” The first exemption permit for Zimbabweans was established by South Africa in 2009 as the Dispensation of Zimbabwean Permit (DZP) to assist those fleeing political and economic instability (Mhaka, 2023). The permit was eventually reissued as the Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP) and finally as the Zimbabwe...
