DURBAN’S REFUGEE CRISIS: BETWEEN SAFETY, SURVIVAL AND STATE RESPONSIBILITY

For more than three months, hundreds of documented refugees have been living on the pavement along Che Guevara Road in Durban after being displaced from their homes following attacks and threats from community groups. The refugees say they sought protection from the state but instead have been left without adequate shelter, food and medical support, with one person reportedly dying after struggling to maintain treatment while living on the streets. As tensions rise again, with the group March and March announcing a “clean-up” operation at the site, questions remain over what solution exists between humanitarian obligations, community frustrations and the state’s responsibility to protect vulnerable people. Joining us is Bishop Raphael Bahebwa, who has been supporting and representing the refugees.

Guest: Ismail Mukaddam
Director of Inspire Network Section 12 Monitor, South African Human Rights Commission.