Statelessness in South Africa
According to the United Nations, “stateless persons are individuals who are not recognised as nationals by any state under the operation of its law” (UNHCR, 2022). This lack of nationality means stateless individuals are often denied the most fundamental human rights including access to education, healthcare, legal employment, and even the right to marry. The UNHCR estimates that 4.4 million people around the world are currently...
Fleeing War, Finding Uncertainty: The Challenges Faced by Sudanese Refugees in Egypt
Background During the early twentieth century, Sudan was a protectorate of Egypt (in the north) and the United Kingdom (in the south), known as the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium. But, in 1956, the Republic of Sudan declared independence after Egypt and the United Kingdom relinquished their sovereignty. However, at this time, there was a stark divide between the northern region (wealthier, Muslim majority) and the southern region (less developed and Christian majority. This...
SIHMA Press Review for February 2025 and March 2025
South Africa 25 March 2025 Daily Maverick Home Affairs minister launches new body to combat corruption at South Africa’s borders South Africa's borders are highly vulnerable to transnational crime due to poor infrastructure, weak enforcement, and corruption within the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). To combat this, the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) has been launched...
Migrant Traders: The Unsung Heroes of South Africa’s Tourism Economy
South Africa’s vibrant tourism industry thrives not only on its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also on the contributions of informal street traders. Many of these traders are migrants, offering unique and affordable goods that attract tourists, generate employment, and support local producers. Yet, despite their undeniable role in the economy, they remain largely unprotected by policy. South Africa's tourism sector presents lucrative opportunities for informal traders. In 2023 alone, the country welcomed R8.48...
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.
Remembering the Sharpeville Massacre: Protecting the Rights of Child Migrants in South Africa
As we commemorate Human Rights Day in South Africa, we remember the tragic events of the Sharpeville massacre on March 21, 1960. On that day, police opened fire on a crowd of protesters, killing 249 people, including 29 children (Lodge, 2011). Today, we honor the memories of those child victims by reflecting on the progress of children's rights in South Africa, particularly for child migrants.
