SANIR calls for urgent action on stateless children in South Africa

The Southern Africa Network for Immigrants and Refugees (SANIR) has issued an urgent call for action regarding the growing crisis of stateless and undocumented children in South Africa.

With the Africa Children’s Summit just around the corner in Johannesburg, SANIR is urging immediate action. The Network says that despite South Africa’s progressive constitution, many children remain unregistered and marginalised.

Secretary for SANIR, Sabina Taderera, says this leaves them without access to education and healthcare.

“Southern Africa Network of Immigrants and Refugees urges the South African government to review birth registration processes, collaborate with refugee organisations, strengthen legal protection, and rectify international conventions to protect these children’s rights. The network stresses the need for inclusive policies that ensure that no child is denied their fundamental rights based on their parents’ nationality, calling for immediate systematic change to prevent the further marginalization of these vulnerable children.”