The Determination Of Refugee Status In South Africa A Human Rights Perspective PDF Download

Recommendations. To the government of South Africa - To the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. -- Background. -- The legal framework. International principles - South African law. -- Obstacles in the refugee status determination process. Overview of the process - Applying for asylum. The fourteen-day permit to report to a refugee reception office - Inability to gain access to the refugee reception office - Corrupt practices. First interview - Response of Department of Home Affairs. - Lack of official interpreters - Delays in the determination of refugee status - Failure to recognize the legal right to work and study - Hearing before the refugee status determination officer and determination of claims. - Appeal and review of refugee status determination decisions. Lack of legal representation - Growing backlog of appeals. - Refugee status entitlements. Documentation and duration of refugee status - Permanent residency. -- Inadequate protection for refugees and asylum seekers. Harassment, mistreatment and extortion of asylum seekers and refugees by law enforcement agencies - Arrest, detention and the threat of deportation of refugees and asylum seekers as "illegal foreigners". Unlawful detention and the threat of deportation of refugees and asylum seekers at Lindela Deportation Center. - Detention beyond the thirty-day limit. - Failure to adequately protect unaccompanied minors. Legal standards - Children and the refugee status determination process in South Africa - Detention of unaccompanied children at Lindela Deportation Center - Children's lack of access to assistance and social services. - Social assistance for refugees and asylum seekers in Johannesburg. Legal standards - The right to work - Access to housing - Access to health care and medical treatment. -- The role of UNHCR. -- Conclusion. -- Acknowledgements.