Female Migrants and Refugees Leaving a Positive Mark within their Communities
Over the past 60 years, there has been an increase in the number of females migrants migrating for work, education, and as the heads of the households (1). Currently, 47.9%, around 130 million of the international migrant stock are females (1). In Africa, 48% of migrants are females, with male migrants experiencing more growth in the recent years. Many news stories have warned about the possibilities of female migrants facing stronger discrimination, often having to face double discrimination...
As Borders are Reopening, what does it mean for Migrants?
Border closures, physical distancing, lockdowns, and subsequent restricted onward mobility of the COVID-19 pandemic has been heavily impacting the lives and wellbeing of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The restrictions have not only stopped the movement of people and goods, but also domestic and international remittances (1). Diaspora communities in the Global North, in addition to South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda are experiencing job losses, and the remittances that sustain 40% of Somalis are rapidly diminishing (1). Despite,...
Scalabrini Centre Wins Court Order to Ensure Asylum-Seekers and Special Permit Holders are able to receive the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant
On June 19th, the day before World Refugee Day, the Scalabrini Centre represented by Norton Rose Fulbright were granted a court order from the Western Cape High Court, Cape Town, that allows some asylum seekers and special permit holders within South Africa to apply for the R350 COVID-19 Social Relief Distress Grant (SRD Grant). This court order came after the urgent litigation launched by the Scalabrini Centre on May 22nd. Those who wish to apply for...
How the Migrant Youth are making a mark in Music and Art
Happy Youth Day! Youth Day in South Africa is on the 16th of June and commemorates the Soweto Uprising and pivot role of the youth. Youth and their contributions are celebrated and commemorated around the world with several Countries declaring a national youth day, along with the United Nations International Youth Day celebration on the 12th of August and the World Youth Day Celebration organised by the Catholic Church, celebrated by millions of people across the...
SIHMA supports call for states, donor, and other stakeholders to protect the rights of stateless persons in COVID-19 responses
As governments around the world are developing necessary plans in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 84 civil society actors have come together to urge states, donors & other stakeholders to protect and promote the rights of the stateless. Migrants, refugees, populations at risk of statelessness and the stateless themselves, are paying the highest price. Many are facing racism, xenophobia, denied access to critical health services and information on prevention and treatment. Additionally, many are fearful of...
The Severe Effect of COVID-19 on Jobs for Migrants and Refugees
Albeit a slower start compared to European countries, COVID-19 has rapidly shown the long-term impact on both health and socioeconomic sectors in African countries. Vulnerable populations, especially migrants and refugees have experienced multiple disadvantages because of the swift imposed lockdown. Many migrants across the continent work in the informal sector, often have family members who rely on remittances, and are not eligible for government aid1. The impact of decreased remittances is, and threatens to be, devastating, for instance...
