PROJECTS

            South Africa has seen a rise in xenophobic violence over the past decade, with two major outbreaks in 2008 and in 2015 respectively. Informed by our 8 years’ experience attempting to fight xenophobia, we have observed a rather disturbing rise in violence incited by some local authorities.

Migrants face challenges such as targeted looting, unfair deprivation of basic public services (education, hospitals, police… etc.).  This is fuelled by numerous hate speeches in public spaces.  One of the contributing factors to some of these challenges has to do with lack of documentation, particularly for refugees and asylum seekers. This challenge poses as hostile situation to many migrants (forced migrants particularly) as they feel rejected by the host society and host authorities. By encourging a platform to criminalise migrants through the phenomena of ‘illegal Immigrants’, the latter is working against the creation of a more cohesive society.

It is our observation that many migrants, including those with legal status in South Africa, live in fear of xenophobic violence and without confidence in the State’s ability to protect them.  Our experience in working with migrants, governmental bodies such as the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) have revealed a hostile attitude toward migrants’ issues. Police brutality and impunity have been highlighted over and over. Schools have also been cited as segregatory to migrant children. The lack of accountability and the silently built alliance between xenophobic authorities, discriminatory laws and policies and negative propaganda on issues pertaining to migration constitute a bridge between stereotypes and hatred which fuels most of the violence.  

While we are certain that the  above stated issues stem from intolerant attitudes, we are also cognisant that socio-economic conditions, lack of information and crime in general are some of the causes of  exacerbated instances of hatred between South Africans and foreign nationals. The causes of xenophobia are therefore multifaceted and require further enquiry and strategic approaches if a solution is to be formulated.

Given the above, we believe that migrants are at a high risk (in terms of human security and safety) and could face more violence in the future, unless a clear response and preventive action is drafted. This is the key aim of the multiple activities that this project seeks to engage on.

a)     The proposed programme stems from the ADF’s years of experience in organizing various awareness projects intended to create social cohesion.  Our vision and projects designed to promote a society that is free of discrimination / hate on the grounds of nationality, origin or coulor of skin remain relevant given the apparent  occurrences  of social hostility between South African and migrant communities. 

b)      A lesson learnt from the 2008 and 2015 xenophobic attacks is that the subsiding of violent outbreaks is not permanent and does require that communities are encouraged to live peacefully continually. 

c)      We are connected with many refugees and asylum seekers which means we are well positioned to mobilise refugee led organisations to partner with us.

d)      Our proximity to refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants thanks to our location in Yeoville (Johannesburg) allows us to advocate from a first-hand perspective around challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers at different police stations, hospitals, schools

Project objectives 

-        To work with South African institutions (at the national, provincial and local level) to promote social cohesion and integration of all African communities, and to resist discriminatory policies and practices that fuel xenophobic exclusion and violence.

-        To work for an integrated and collaborative society that is free of xenophobic exclusion and all other forms of discrimination;

-        To facilitate and develop collaborations and mutual exchanges between South Africans and non-South African residents in South Africa;

-        To ensure that xenophobic statements in the public domain and policies do not remain unchallenged;

-        To create a violence free South Africa where everyone has opportunities to live a happier life and total respect for human rights and dignity of all residents.

a)     The main objective is to contribute to the elaboration of sustainable solutions regarding the protection of international migrants in South Africa. 

b)     An estimated number of over 5 million International Migrants groups and South Africans will potentially benefit from this project. Its multi-layered stages and multiple engagements, aims at providing a clear understanding of the causes of xenophobia. Because this program seeks to use a bottom-up approach – identifying the problem and solutions from the grass-root levels with the purpose of taking these up the higher level - it will be an effective and efficient way of tackling the issue of xenophobia across various spectrum.  Additionally, the involvement of the public will reduce negative perceptions and stereotypes often leading to violence at the micro-level. 

c)     A more peaceful coexistence between South Africans & Refugees/Asylum Seekers and International migrants

d)     An increased sense of solidarity and empathy for International Migrants;

e)     A raised understanding of the plight of International Migrants by local South African communities;

f)      Both South Africans and International Migrants will be better informed to contest and denounce all forms of violence and discrimination in their respective areas; 

g)                    The program takes a triangulated approach in the sense that it uses various advocacy tools to work towards the overall goal, which is social cohesion.

It proposes the following methodology: 

Gender

Migration, in most cases, and forced migration in particular, have a particular impact on women. When moving, women often have to perform the duties of mothers and to some extend the fatherly, duties. As far as asylum seeking is concerned, and particularly in South Africa, migrant women have been the most vulnerable. Their cases are often rejected under the pretext that they are not active actors in conflicts and therefore do not have valid claims for asylum. The fact that gender-based violence and other gender based persecutions are not recognized in the 1951 convention increases their hardships. Our offices have reported several cases of discrimination against women which has left them being abused by superficial partners because they have no other resort. Yet, within a highly complex migration reality, women—even when the husbands are present - are the ones who flexibly assume piece jobs such as domestic work, small businesses and art work to sustain the family when men cannot find jobs. Moreover, they are the ones left with the responsibility to look after their children’s needs and at times, without necessary information or assistance, this can increase their vulnerability. It is therefore important to provide women with information and guidance as to where they can seek services as well as where to get assistance should their rights or lives be threatened. It is this aspect that this project seeks to address. Through its various programs and workshops, it will teach women about their rights and obligations in South Africa. The information centre shall include more information materials with necessary information such as where to seek basic public services such as social grants for refugees but also health, education, police, Home Affairs etc. The African Diaspora Forum (ADF) works with women's groups as well as educational institutions and will use these facilities to build women’s capacity and assist their children too. Apart from cross-border migrant women, South African women moving internally also face several challenges. This has been particularly observed with women living in informal settlements under poor living conditions. This has led this group of women to an attitude of rivalry which also fuels tension between South Africans and migrant women. This project, through its community dialogues and educational programme will emphasis on the importance of these two groups to complement each other in order to build alliances while addressing their convergent vulnerabilities. The project will allow the two groups to know each other and create awareness of their challenges contributing to improve social cohesiveness.