The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Ruven Menikdiwela, recently concluded a five-day visit to South Africa.
The visit aimed to engage in discussions with South African officials regarding border management and the safeguarding of refugee rights and needs.
During her visit, Menikdiwela met with Dr. Mike Masiapato and his team, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, to assure them of UNHCR’s support in managing borders while respecting the rights of individuals seeking asylum.
Acknowledging South Africa’s concerns regarding irregular migration, Menikdiwela emphasised that asylum seekers have the right to seek refuge and protection, as specified in international law.
‘Migration is to be managed but not to be stopped,’ stated Masiapato/
Menikdiwela’s visit also included a high-level bilateral meeting with Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, in Pretoria.
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Discussions centred on reviewing migration routes to South Africa and strengthening the protection space for refugees and asylum seekers. She explained the importance of South Africa’s White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, urging the government to uphold refugee protection as essential to fundamental rights.
While South Africa has taken steps to address the influx of foreign nationals through policy frameworks like the White Paper, Menikdiwela emphasised that withdrawing from the Refugee Convention would not provide immediate solutions.
Instead, she urged continued collaboration to ensure efficient decision-making processes for asylum claims. Currently, there are over 131 000 asylum claims awaiting processing by the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa.
The UNHCR is actively involved in projects, including collaboration with the government and the EU, aimed at reducing the backlog of asylum claims and enhancing efficiency in decision-making processes. Menikdiwela reiterated UNHCR’s commitment to supporting South Africa in its refugee protection efforts.
As part of her visit, Menikdiwela also toured Beit Bridge, one of South Africa’s busiest ports of entry with Zimbabwe.
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Picture: @RuvenMenik / X