An advocacy organisation has called for reform of South Africa’s system of dealing with refugees after a stampede at a refugee reception centre claimed someone’s life.
Last week there was a stampede at the Desmond Tutu Reception Centre in Marabastad in Pretoria. One person died, and a number were reportedly injured.
The Jesuit Refugee Service South Africa (JRS), a global advocacy organisation for refugees and migrants, has called for reform in the way South Africa handles people seeking refuge and asylum in this country.
Nicole Breen, JRS advocacy co-ordinator, said: “Recent issues include the failure to offer consistent online renewal services and the limited availability of in-person appointments due to ongoing ‘network issues’ cited by the authorities. Despite these obstacles, the government has intensified efforts to enforce permit renewals, even arresting individuals whose permits have expired.”
Breen said three immediate interventions by the government were needed. These were to eliminate the backlog of asylum seeker claims; streamline the process for eligible refugees to transition to permanent residency; and ensure that online permit extensions were processed efficiently, eliminating the need for applicants to go to Home Affairs offices.
[Image: Mariana from Pixabay, detail of Angels Unawares, a bronze sculpture by Timothy Schmalz installed in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican since September 29, 2019, the 105th World Migrant and Refugee Day]