Refugee and migrant rights project

This report highlights serious human rights concerns in South Africa's immigration detention facilities, in particular the private operated facility at Lindela in Krugersdorp and  the detention centre operated by the SAPS in Musina. The report reveals that despite South Africa's obligations in domestic and international law to comply with basic minimum standards of detention, there are serious violations of these most basic rights ranging from lack of access to drinking water to the most serious violations of torture in detention, which occur with little oversight or legal recourse. read more...

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), together with several interested organisations commissioned a survey of Zimbabwean asylum seekers and refugees living in South Africa. The aim of the study was to make a submission to the Minister of Home Affairs to provide a platform for meaningful engagement with the DHA and national institutions such as the South African Human Rights Commission, in order to raise critical awareness and make practical recommendations on specific human rights problems faced by the asylum and the refugee community in South Africa. read more...

This background paper is intended to contribute to the discussion by presenting a summary of key issues and response options, on the basis of expert analysis of international experiences. Without prescribing a specific governmental response, this document argues that some kind of coherent response is necessary at this point in time, and sets out a framework for evaluating the appropriateness and potential impacts of different responses. read more...

The 2008 CoRMSA report is dedicated to promote the rights of foreigners in SA. The findings of the report have been compiled over a six month period using surveys, in-depth interviews and a review of relevant documents and policies. read more...

The Refugee Information Guide is a valuable tool for assisting asylum seekers and refugees in their day to day living in South Africa. The guide which is split into a legal and social section, provides both detailed information and suggestions on issues of relevance such as the rights of refugees, status determination procedures, access to social assistance and education. It also provides a directory of service providers and relevant emergency numbers for each of the cities where Refugee Reception Offices are located. read more...