What are the rights of immigrants?
BY NATHAN GUMA recently in New York
THE United Nations says it will continue pushing for migrants’ rights amid renewed concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in Africa.
In recent months, South Africa has experienced renewed xenophobic attacks against immigrants, resulting in the displacement of nationals from several African countries.
Tensions have also heightened, with March and March, an anti-illegal-immigration movement, announcing September 30 as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.
The group has threatened further demonstrations if its demands are not met, raising concerns over renewed tensions involving foreign nationals.
The trend has also sparked concerns in other African countries, including Kenya, where authorities moved to enforce requirements for foreign traders to hold valid work permits.
The move prompted hundreds of Burundians to seek travel documents to leave Kenya amid fears of a crackdown.
In Uganda, military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba also ordered Turkish nationals to leave the country, according to a statement he issued on September 9.
What the UN says
Responding to a question raised by The NewsHawks at United Nations headquarters, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said the organisation opposed xenophobia and called for migrants’ rights to be respected.
“Well, you’ve seen the statements we put out against xenophobia in various different countries. But across the board, we stand against any xenophobia and any sentiments against immigrants and other excluded or minority groups,” Haq said during a daily press briefing.
“We want to make sure that all the countries that deal with migrants – countries of origin, countries of transit, and countries of entry – respect the rights of migrants,” he said.
On September 11, Nigeria’s parliament suspended official visits and legislative engagements with South Africa in protest over continued violence against immigrants, including Nigerian citizens.
The Nigerian National Assembly said it was concerned about reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, homes and properties.
Ghana has also evacuated citizens from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks and intimidation.
Ghana’s government said it evacuated 1 964 citizens from South Africa between May 27 and September 4, at a cost of GH¢49.72 million.
The evacuation followed what Ghana described as a resurgence of anti-foreigner sentiment and intimidation targeting African nationals, particularly in Durban and other parts of South Africa.
The developments have renewed concerns over the treatment of African migrants, with governments responding to attacks, displacement and fears among their nationals.
Migrant rights
The UN’s human-rights framework requires states to protect migrants from discrimination, violence and abuse and to respect their fundamental rights.
Under Part II, Article 7 of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, States Parties must respect and ensure rights under the Convention without discrimination based on factors including race, colour, nationality, ethnic or social origin.
Under Part III, Article 9, migrant workers and members of their families have the right to life, while Article 10 protects them from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 16 provides for liberty and security of person and protection by the state against violence, physical injury, threats and intimidation.
The Convention also provides protections covering freedom to leave a country, recognition as a person before the law, equality of treatment in employment, social security and emergency medical care.
