The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, has reminded foreign children living in the Humulani Village, Phalaborwa in the Limpopo province, that they have the same rights as all other children in the country.
She was speaking at a Child Protection Week event dedicated to highlighting the issues of migrant children who arrive in the country undocumented and sometimes unaccompanied. The Humulani Village has a large population of children who have migrated into South Africa with their parents without being documented.
The effect of being undocumented to children is that they have difficulty in accessing basic government services like health care, social security and primary education services among others.
South Africa has committed itself to the various international conventions and protocols with regards to the protection of children from other countries who enter its borders. The country has also incorporated its international obligations in the South African Refugees Act (1998) and Immigration Act (2002).
Under these Acts, refugee children are protected from refoulement, discrimination and illegal detention. In addition, they enjoy full right of access to food, shelter, basic health care, primary education services, social security, as well as being protected by prohibitions against child labour.
Minister Dlamini told the gathering that it was important that child development continues unhindered no matter where the child finds him/herself.
“Our commitment to protecting all children within our borders is guided by the principle that children’s development and well-being must not be hampered by the circumstances in which children find themselves. Every nation has a duty to ensure that every child within its borders gets the best possible start in life so they can grow up to become contributing members of the world,” explained Minister Dlamini.
The Department of Home Affairs was also at the event and spent the day helping parents of undocumented children register their children, as prescribed by South African regulations, in order that they can access government services.
Minister Dlamini also appealed to community members to work with social workers and law enforcement agencies in ensuring that undocumented children from other countries are not discriminated against or mistreated in any way.
South Africa this week commemorates Child Protection Week – an annual campaign that aims to promote the safety, well-being, care and protection of children.
Through Child Protection Week (1 to 8 June), government and its partners raise awareness, as well as mobilise all sectors and communities towards understanding the perspective of holistic development regarding the care and protection of children.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
