The Commission for Gender Equality has raised concern over the gendered impact of South Africa’s current migration discourse, warning that women, girls, migrants and asylum seekers face increased risk of gender-based violence, trafficking and exploitation during periods of heightened tension.
The commission is calling on authorities to ensure that immigration enforcement upholds constitutional principles and protects human dignity.
Commission CEO Dr Dennis Matotoka said children and pregnant women were among the most vulnerable groups requiring special protection during enforcement operations and at repatriation centres.
“We are saying, in the process there must also be no unnecessary separation between children and parents, because the other risk is the fact that these children are not prioritised. They may be taken for human trafficking — some of them. Pregnant women may also be in the situation where they have a miscarriage, if there’s serious violence there,” Matotoka said.
He called on government to put dedicated protection measures in place for vulnerable groups.
“The other thing we’re saying — during protests, even at the repatriation centre, the government needs to put a priority measure in terms of how they care for and protect the vulnerable groups. So, a special protection and additional mechanisms is therefore required in this instance,” Matotoka said.
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