 © UNHCR/Markku Aikomus |
South Africa became a signatory to the UN and Organisation of African Unity conventions on refugees after its transition to democracy.The 1998 Refugees Act established the institutions and procedures to offer protection to those who are fleeing persecution and instability in their home countries.South Africa has a “liberal asylum legislation that incorporates all basic principles of refugee protection including freedom of movement, the right to work and access to basic social services”.The Government of South Africa supports international efforts to protect and assist refugees and asylum-seekers, in particular by providing them with access to health facilities, schools and social services. |
News and stories about South Africa
Attacks on foreigners in South Africa expose refugee women to new dangers
DURBAN, South Africa, Oct 20 (UNHCR) - When Congolese refugee Faiza Lugi saw the mob toting machetes and heavy knobkerrie sticks surge down the main street in this port city chanting anti-foreigner slogans,...
UNHCR mulls solutions for refugees affected by xenophobia
Xenophobic violence in South Africa has forced thousands of refugees to flee their homes, and now many are turning to UNHCR for help.
UNHCR concern at xenophobic violence in South Africa
The refugee agency sends team to Durban to assess the situation and identify where the organization can support government and civil society partners in their response.
A Congolese mother and her sons regain hope in Cape Town
Mzuji and her boys were identified as vulnerable under UNHCR's Protection Needs Assessment programme, They were interviewed for resettlement and given hope.
Planting the seeds of tolerance in South Africa through soccer
The project is trying to build understanding of refugees in a country where xenophobia has been a recurring problem
Rwandan gets on his bike in Johannesburg to raise funds for education
A former refugee takes part in a tough bicycle race to raise funds for a South African university scholarship programme and help others forced to flee.
Statelessness: Living the South African dream on borrowed time
Abandoned as a child with no documents, Jabulani Sibanda has built an enviable life for himself and his family – under the radar of the law.
Statelessness: Falling through the cracks in southern Africa
How someone can flee Zimbabwe, seek asylum in South Africa, become a migrant worker and wake up stateless one day with no country to his name.
UNHCR funds crèche course in caring for refugee tots in Durban
Dozens of small crèches in the South African city of Durban protect young refugees while their parents work and provide an income for needy women.
Talk of new xenophobic violence in South Africa has refugees on edge
As concern grows in South Africa's refugee communities over rumours of renewed violence against foreign nationals, UNHCR's Pumla Rulashe meets an Ethiopian refugee who was a victim of xenophobic attacks in 2008.
Using football to tackle xenophobia in South Africa's townships
UNHCR takes part in a unique initiative aimed at building bridges between locals and foreigners in South Africa through football.
Norwegian cyclist puts spotlight on refugees at World Cup finals stadium
A long-distance Norwegian cyclist reaches World Cup finals stadium to see his giant football shirt unveiled before President Zuma and 70,000 spectators.
Zimbabwean teenage asylum-seeker learns the high cost of freedom
All 17-year-old Tsitsi wanted to do was go to school and earn a living – but the men transporting her to a better life had other plans for her.
Q&A: Norwegian bikes to South Africa for refugee awareness in run-up to World Cup
Bjorn Heidenstrom hopes to display the world's largest football shirt at the World Cup finals in South Africa next year after biking through Europe and Africa to raise awareness about refugees.
Mandela Day appeal draws apology for xenophobic attacks in South Africa
Residents of an informal settlement outside South Africa's capital mark Mandela Day with an apology to refugees and migrants victimized during xenophobic attacks last year.
UNHCR supports efforts to counter xenophobia in South Africa
Haunted by a wave of xenophobic violence that displaced tens of thousands in South Africa last year, UNHCR is supporting efforts to combat the scourge.
16 Days of Activism: South African border shelter helps young Zimbabwean women
A UNHCR-supported shelter offers assistance and protection to traumatized young women crossing into South Africa from Zimbabwe.
Border officials work overtime to help Zimbabwean asylum seekers
Backed by UNHCR, South African government staff working at the new Musina refugee reception office have granted 18,000 asylum seeker permits since July.