For their own protection—and to avoid the sort of anti-migrant pogroms that swept through South Africa’s cities last year—many urban refugees are trying to blend anonymously into the shanty-towns where they find shelter of sorts. UNHCR may in future have to work more with UN Habitat, an agency that reflects on cities from its headquarters in the mind-concentrating environment of Nairobi.

Read more: Tents come down (The Economist)

There are several organizations worldwide who are involved in aiding urban refugees: UNHCR, UN Habitat, Doctors without Borders and some more.

We chose the Jesuit Refugee Service, which is a long-time partner with UNHCR and UN

“A vital part of Jesuit Refugee Service’s mission is to defend the rights of refugees and migrants throughout the world. JRS advocates for just and generous policies and programs for the benefit of victims of forced displacement, so that those made vulnerable by exile can receive support and protection and durable solution to their plight can be achieved.”

Source: What We Do (jrsusa.org)

The South African section of JRS changed its emphasis and wants to redouble efforts to encourage their sustainable integrations into South African society.

“Approximately 700,000 registered asylum seekers live in South Africa. They initially receive a six-month permit which entitles them to freedom of movement, the right to work and access to schools and public health facilities. However, insufficient resource allocation hinders the implementation of this policy, placing asylum seekers in competition with poorer nationals for scarce services.

Last year, JRS assisted more than 25,000 asylum seekers. In Makhado, about 80km from the South African-Zimbabwean border, about 70 people seek JRS help every day. Teams provide food, assistance finding housing and money to go south. In Pretoria and Johannesburg, JRS provides asylum seekers with vocational training and small business loans, assistance getting into schools and a referral service to persons in need of emergency assistance.”

Source: South Africa: change of emphasis in JRS services (jrs.net)

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