Protecting the Rights of the Displaced in Southern Africa

Southern Africa has hosted refugees from conflicts across the continent, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, to Rwanda, to Sudan.

A 27 year civil war in Angola forced millions from their homes. A peace agreement was signed in 2002 and since then many refugees and internally displaced persons have been able to return. However, about 225,000 remained in exile and an additional 90,000 were still internally displaced in the middle of 2005.

Over the past few years, brewing conflict and economic collapse have pushed millions of Zimbabweans to leave their homes. Many head to South Africa seeking safety, or simply looking for work. In addition, government policies have resulted in massive internal dislocation in the name of ensuring order.

International Refugee Rights Initiative materials on Southern Africa:

"'It's Like You Don't Exist': Foreigners still searching for solutions two months after the xenophobic violence in South Africa,"Refugee Rights News, Volume 4, Issue 5, July 2008.

"South Africans, Foreigners and the Dynamics of Identity in South Africa," Refugee Rights News, Volume 4, Issue 4, June 2008.

"Perspectives on Refoulement in Africa," Presentation to the Canadian Council for Refugees in Toronto, June 2006.

"Advocates in South Africa Help Ease the Plight of Zimbabwean Asylum Seekers" Refugee Rights News, Volume 1, Issue 2, December 2004.

"Advocating Against Forced Displacement in Zimbabwe," Refugee Rights News, Volume 2, Issue 3, September 2005.