September 11, 2014

ADR0 Programme and Activities: 2013-2014

12:01 PM No comments :
With the sponsorship of the Foundation of Human Rights, ADRO successfully managed to carry out its objectives in assisting refugees and asylum seekers. These activities include:

1) Workshop aimed to educate refugees and asylum seekers on access to refugee permits and the refugee status determination process

  • The workshop was carried out at the end of December 2012 which was facilitated by Mr Zoe Nkongolo, an experienced human rights activist, and seconded by ADRO and other community leaders. 
  • 60 participants attended the workshop 
  • The participants expressed a general sentiment of satisfaction after gaining a deeper understanding of their rights and responsibilites- they were more aware of the refugee laws and their required duty in the application process. 
  • By doing so, it reduced the burden on DHA/RROs as the application process will be smoother 
  • Other issues like cultural diversity, xenophobia and conflict management were also brought up and discussed. 
  • In July 2014, ADRO carried out another human rights workshop to educate refugees and asylum seekers on their rights as many are disadvantaged due to the lack of knowledge on their rights as refugees, especially the unemployed. 

2) Assisting clients with their documentation

  • Problems with documentation revolve around banking, legalization of stay and documentation for permits. 
  • ADRO has been active with accompanying clients to DHA to assist them with their documentation. 
  • In other cases where legal advice is needed, ADRO will draft referral letters to the relevant organizations (UCT Law Clinic, Legal Resource Center, South African Human Rights Commission)

3) Monitoring through visits to Refugee Reception Center

  • ADRO conducted interviews with applicants queuing outside the RRO and received testimonies on the human rights abuses during the process eg:
  • Lack of access to food and water
  • Inadequate facilities for the disabled, women and children
  • Violence by security guards 
  • Inefficient queue management 

There are many issues that ADRO remains concerned about and is looking into addressing them in the future- UIF and the payouts for unemployed refugees, opening of bank accounts and the organization of DHA with regards to accessibility to refugees and asylum seekers. 

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