Covid-19 worsens plight of stateless migrant children in South Africa
Published: 22/Mai/2022
Source: Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg)
By Marko Phiri
As the number of children born in South Africa to undocumented migrant parents continues to grow, researchers have raised concerns about the unchecked cycle of statelessness and undocumented foreigners in the country.
Thousands of children born to undocumented migrants living and working in South Africa have failed to access birth certificates and identity documents because their parents are considered to be in the country illegally.
Added to that, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) says while South Africa remains a major route for migration, little is known about migrant children in the country to ensure they have access to birth registration, education and health services.
Efforts to formalise their stay have been halted by the closure of home affairs centres in line with Covid-19 lockdown regulations as part of public health measures to control the spread of the virus.
Read further: https://mg.co.za/news/2022-05-22-covid-19-worsens-plight-of-stateless-migrant-children-in-south-africa/