Save children from statelessness in South Africa

Warm Greetings to Our Esteemed Supporters! As we conclude another year at Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), we look back with pride on our enduring dedication to defending and enhancing the rights of the most vulnerable, particularly children and families threatened by statelessness. This report provides an overview of our key achievements in the first qaurter of 2024

Empowering Through Legal Advocacy and Collaboration

Our advocacy has made significant impacts, particularly through our focused efforts on childhood statelessness. In collaboration with entities like the Centre for Child Law and Save the Children, we've held workshops across Mpumalanga, building the capacity of over 500 social workers. These workshops equip them with the necessary skills to advocate effectively for the rights of migrant children.

Strategic Advocacy Initiatives

A highlight of our advocacy was the launch of a nationwide campaign to address the issue of ID blocking by the Department of Home Affairs. This campaign has brought the challenges faced by children to the forefront of national attention, driving both societal and governmental change.

Legal Milestones:Expanding Access to Justice

Our legal team has achieved several milestones this year, including key High Court rulings that ensure healthcare access and uphold the right to birth registration. These victories not only represent significant legal triumphs but also contribute to broader societal impacts by setting precedents that respect and uphold human dignity.

Individual Case Management and Support

A significant aspect of our work involves detailed case management, especially in challenging legal environments. In the upcoming quarter, we are scheduled to conduct 8 DNA tests. These tests are crucial for our applications in the High Court seeking declarations of South African citizenship, helping to link children with their family members. We have drafted letters to provide financial support for these tests, ensuring that our clients have the necessary resources to pursue their rights to identity and nationality.

Looking Forward:2024 Priorities

Advancing Citizenship Rights

We will focus intensively on reforming the South African Citizenship Act. Our aim is to guarantee that every child born in South Africa is recognized by the state, ensuring their right to a name and nationality, as mandated by the Constitution. This will involve robust legal advocacy, enhanced policy engagement, and comprehensive public campaigning.

Streamlining Government Procedures

We plan to tackle inefficiencies within the Department of Home Affairs to simplify and clarify the citizenship process. Our efforts will include policy dialogue, monitoring government practices, and providing legal support to those navigating this often-complex bureaucracy.

Influential Policy Engagement

With the impending White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection, we are gearing up for extensive analysis and advocacy. Our approach will be thorough, involving stakeholder consultations to ensure that the rights of the vulnerable, particularly children, are safeguarded in any upcoming legal reforms.

Heartfelt Thanks We extend our deepest gratitude to you—our donors, partners, and supporters. Your steadfast support empowers us to continue our work. With your help, we have initiated crucial changes, and we look forward to achieving even more together in the coming year. Together, we are not only defending rights but also nurturing hope and building a legacy of justice and equality.

Warm regards,

Wayne Ncube

National Director,

Lawyers for Human Rights

"Defending Rights, Nurturing Hope"

Links:

• Home Affairs practice of "ID blocking" declared unconstitutional
• LHR makes submission on poorly written White Paper from Home Aff