DEPUTY MINISTER CALLS FOR GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY IN PROTECTING REFUGEES’ RIGHTS

By DSD News

• Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks calls for stronger administrative justice in the implementation of refugee protection frameworks.
• Government, African institutions, embassies and consulates urged to strengthen accountability and oversight mechanisms.
• Call made for corrective measures to address longstanding gaps in implementing international and regional refugee commitments.

As the world marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr Ganief Hendricks has called for greater accountability and administrative justice in the protection of refugees and asylum seekers.

Addressing the World Refugee Day commemoration held in Waterkloof, Pretoria, on 19 June 2026, the Deputy Minister reflected on the progress and challenges associated with implementing international and regional frameworks designed to safeguard the rights and dignity of displaced persons.

Mr Hendricks raised concerns about what he described as persistent shortcomings in administrative justice affecting refugees. He cautioned against narratives that label fellow Africans as foreigners, emphasising the need to uphold the spirit of African solidarity and human dignity.

“There is a lack of administrative justice when it comes to refugees,” he said, adding that the continent should foster a more inclusive approach towards people displaced from their countries of origin.

The Deputy Minister stressed that responsibility for addressing challenges facing refugees extends beyond host governments. He noted that embassies and consulates of countries whose citizens seek protection abroad also have an important role to play in supporting and safeguarding their nationals.

He further highlighted the responsibility of continental oversight structures, including the African Peer Review Mechanism, to ensure that member states fulfil their commitments under international and regional refugee protection instruments.

Mr Hendricks acknowledged that governments, institutions and oversight bodies have not always met their obligations in ensuring effective implementation of refugee protection measures. He argued that stronger systems, improved coordination and greater accountability are required to give practical effect to the commitments contained in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1969 Organisation of African Unity Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.

Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, the Deputy Minister said the milestone presents an opportunity to assess progress, identify gaps and strengthen efforts to uphold the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

He called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders to ensure that international and regional refugee protection frameworks are implemented effectively and that the principles of dignity, justice and human rights remain at the centre of responses to displacement across the continent.

The commemoration formed part of World Refugee Day activities and provided a platform for dialogue on strengthening protection, inclusion and support for refugees and asylum seekers living in South Africa and across Africa.