We Advocate For The Rights Of
Refugees And Migrants
United in advocating for best practices in migration
Enhance Quality of Life
Promote Regional Integration
Challenges Faced by Migrants
What is SAMIN?
SAMIN is a network established in 2019, following a consultative meeting with various members of Civil Society Organisations, refugee and migrant organizations, academia, and religious leaders who collectively advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants in Southern Africa.
Core Pillars
RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION
To work with academia to develop research for advocacy and documentation of the state of migration and challenges in free cross border migration.
LOBBYING & ADVOCACY
Supported by concrete research, to advocate and lobby for equal recognition and treatment of both migrants and citizens of host countries. Further to advocate for elimination of the root causes of forced migration.
DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION
To bridge the information gaps that exist about migration in all levels of society including migration officials, security agencies and stakeholders that deal with migration issues.
SHARE GOOD PRACTICES AND NETWORKING
To address capacity and ensure impactful efforts that seek to improve migration in the SADC region.
Advocacy Under SAMIN
Dedicated to advocating for the dignity, rights, and inclusion of migrants and refugees across Southern Africa, SAMIN collaborates with civil society organizations to amplify the voices of the vulnerable, promote evidence-based policies, and foster resilient, inclusive communities amidst ongoing challenges and crises.
SAMIN Participation in SADC Meetings
SAMIN, in collaboration with Citizen Alliance (CA) and the Timvereni Youth Campaign, organized a side Youth Event around the SADC Heads of State and Governments Summit held in Lilongwe from 9-19 August 2021.
The overall objective was to amplify the voice and participation of young people and the SADC region in the development and implementation of youth-centered solutions and agency in human rights, conflict prevention and mediation, social cohesion, and socio-economic development.
In the following year, SAMIN was also represented at the SADC’s people summit by members from Malawi, Eswatini, DRC, and South Africa. The summit took place in Kinshasa, DRC.
SAMIN Zimbabwe Country Chapter: Southern Africa Migration Network Regional Migration Dialogue
Regional Migration Dialogue
The Southern Africa Migration Network (SAMIN), a network of migration-focused organizations within SADC working to collectively advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants in Southern Africa, hosted a Regional Migration Dialogue on Friday, 30 August in Harare.
The objective of the Regional Migration Dialogue was to build consensus towards a sustained collective response to address contemporary refugee and migrant challenges in the SADC Region.
Stories of Survival: Immigrants Facing Adversity
“I was selling clothes on the street when nine South Africans armed with sticks appeared. They beat people up and yelled, ‘You foreigners go home! We don’t need you here! You take our jobs and our money!’ I started running, but I got beaten up and they stole my two bags of clothes.”
Explains a Refugee From The Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We don’t take anyone’s work; we create our opportunities. We don’t stop South Africans from doing the same.”
Says Mozambican Sam Manane, who has been selling snacks in Alexandra for 10 years. “We are just being targeted.”
Blaming the "Other": How Xenophobia Harms Migrants and Refugees in Southern Africa
The accounts shared by the refugees and migrants highlight a deeply troubling issue of xenophobia and scapegoating in Southern Africa. Immigrants are often unfairly blamed for economic insecurity, crime, and the government’s inability to provide public services.
Immigrants as Scapegoats
The personal stories of the refugee from the DRC and Mozambican Sam Manane illustrate the harsh realities faced by many migrants. Despite their efforts to create their own opportunities and contribute positively to their communities, they are subjected to violence and discrimination. This not only undermines their safety and well-being but also perpetuates a cycle of fear and mistrust within the society.
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including public education to combat xenophobia, stronger legal protections for migrants, and policies that recognize and support the contributions of immigrants to the economy and society. Organizations like SAMIN play a crucial role in advocating for these changes and supporting the rights of refugees and migrants.
Partnership
Send Us a Message
Office
6 Spin Street, Cape Town South Africa
IDASA Building
secretariat@samin.org.za
Fax: +27 86 614 5266
Contact
Office: +27 21 4616551
Mobile: +27 81 333 7665