2-Day Conference on Migrants, Refugees

The International Organisation for Migration in partnership with the South African Human Rights Commission and the Africa Institute of South Africa have organised a two-day conference on Migrants, Refugees, and Xenophobia in Africa.

The aim of the conference is to discuss migration patterns in the African continent with a specific focus on the SADAC region and to look at policy options to manage migration. It was felt that there is a lack of a coordinated policy in the region and as a result the SADAC countries are over-utilising numerous resources in trying to manage migration. A coordinated policy would assist in this regard and help to curb xenophobia. The meeting further seeks to contribute to the Programme of Action on migrants and xenophobia from an African perspective, and is also part of activities taking place in the run up to the World Conference Against Racism to be held in Durban next month.

The delegation to this conference includes Dr. Barney Pityana (SAHRC), Patrick Tarran form the International Labour Organisation (and is based in Geneva), Dr. Khabela Matlosa from the Southern African Research for Political Studies as well as academics.

Date: 23rd -24th July 2001 Venue: Burgers Park Hotel, Corner Van Der Walt & Minaar Street, Pretoria
Time: 08h00-17h00

Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission, Johannesburg
Date: 23rd July 2001
For more information contact: Phumla Mthala (Media Liaison)
Tel: (011) 484-8300/ 0832883339