Lawyers for Human Rights calls out Malusi Gigaba over treatment of asylum-seekers
But the Department of Home Affairs, on World Refugee Day, says SA is being taken advantage of and is in the process of adapting its policies
The abuse and poor treatment of asylum seekers and refugees by the Department of Home Affairs has worsened since Malusi Gigaba took the position earlier this year, claims Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) in an open letter sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa to mark World Refugee Day on Wednesday. The NGO alleges that through its "very many harmful, unlawful and cruel practices and policies", the department disregards the values of SA’s Constitution and fails to comply with the UN’s and African Union’s conventions on refugees, which SA signed after the fall of apartheid. The alleged abuses mentioned in the letter include the unlawful refusal to renew permits; the unlawful denial of the right to apply for asylum; ignoring the best interests of the child; disregarding court orders; denial of the constitutional right to dignity and family life; and detention. However, according to Gigaba, speaking in an address at Constitution Hill recognising World Refugee Day, large numbers of economic mi...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.