Non-Refoulement under Strain: South Africa’s Asylum System and Regional Displacement
The southern African political and social landscape is highly influenced by features of migration and forced displacement. Cross-border migration has continuously been driven by conflicts, economic instability, and environmental stress from within and neighbouring African countries. Yet, at the heart of all this tension is the principle of non-refoulement, which is a cornerstone of international human rights law that prohibits returning refugees/migrants to situations of harm (UNHCR, 2025). Understanding non-Refoulement
Reconstitution of South Africa’s Immigration Advisory Board: A Policy Shift
In a significant policy development, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, has announced the reconstitution of the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB), marking its first operational presence in more than a decade. This initiative seeks to strengthen immigration governance through structured policy recommendations and regulatory compliance (Department of Home Affairs, 2025).
Lost in Transit: The Silent Victims of Human Smuggling in Ghana
Migration in Africa remains a deeply complex issue, often entangled with human smuggling and trafficking. Economic hardships, armed conflict, and natural disasters drive high migration rates, making Ghana a pivotal transit point for global smuggling operations. Vulnerable migrants, recruited through social media and personal referrals, frequently fall prey to exploitation and abuse. Organised Criminal Networks Criminal syndicates, such as the Transporters gang, charge migrants between $2,000 and $10,000 for...
Trafficking in Persons Crackdowns: Ethiopia, Kenya and Malawi
Human trafficking remains a critical issue in many nations. Security agencies in Ethiopia and Malawi have increased efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and address irregular immigration. Investigations reveal the involvement of travel agencies, officials, and brokers in these activities. Successful operations in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Malawi highlight the crisis's severity and the need for ongoing measures, including stronger border security, improved intelligence-sharing, and better legal frameworks, to combat exploitation.
DR Congo's Displaced Families: Struggle & Uncertainty Post-M23 Takeover
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with a complex and prolonged crisis, with millions of families including children suffering from the impacts of armed conflict, hunger, and disease outbreaks. The recent escalation of tension between the DRC and Rwanda, due to continuous attacks by the M23 Rebel group fighting against the DRC government, has had devastating effects on the local population, particularly in the eastern region, raising global concerns. Thousands of...
