SOUTH AFRICAN REFUGEES: the semantics of displacement

A charter plane carrying 49 Afrikaners, granted refugee status by the United States, departed OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday night, May 11. The group was set to arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia, before traveling to Texas. Their relocation followed the Trump administration’s invitation for white South Africans to seek refugee status in the U.S.

Upon arrival on Monday, U.S. government officials welcomed the group at Washington Dulles Airport, receiving them in an airplane hangar adorned with balloons and American flags.

This reception stood in sharp contrast to the experiences of other refugees, many of whom risk their lives traveling in overcrowded boats, facing drowning, arrest, or death as they attempt to reach safety in their destination countries.

The question has never been whether the 49 South Africans have been traumatised or whether they feel victimized.  Crime is a reality in South Africa that no one, regardless of race, language, or profession, can escape.  However, the question of whether white Afrikaners qualify as refugees is highly debated. The South African government has denied that white Afrikaners face systematic persecution, arguing that they do not meet the legal definition of refugees. However, the Trump administration has granted refugee status to Afrikaners, citing claims of racial discrimination and land seizures.

Some experts and human rights organizations have dismissed claims of a “white genocide”, stating that crime in South Africa affects all racial groups. Others see the refugee status as an opportunistic move rather than a response to genuine persecution.

The debate continues, with strong opinions on both sides. Racial discrimination in South Africa—both past and present—is an inherently emotional issue, and achieving a balanced understanding requires a measured approach grounded in definitions, factual analysis, and concrete examples.

Acknowledging the lived experiences of those who feel marginalized and oppressed is essential, but maintaining clarity and focus prevents the overgeneralization of suffering, ensuring that the reality of those facing life-threatening circumstances is neither diluted nor diminished.

THE LEGAL DEFINITION

The legal definition of a refugee is primarily established by the 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines a refugee as someone who:

“Owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of their nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country.”

This definition is expanded by regional agreements, such as the 1969 OAU Convention in Africa and the 1984 Cartagena Declaration in Latin America, which include people fleeing external aggression, occupation, massive human rights violations, or events seriously disturbing public order.

The principle of non-refoulement, a core aspect of refugee law, ensures that refugees cannot be forcibly returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.

THE NUMBERS

There are approximately 122.6 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including 37.9 million refugees, 8 million asylum-seekers, and 68.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Some key insights:

• 65% of refugees originate from just four countries: Syria (6.3 million), Venezuela (6.2 million), Ukraine (6.1 million), and Afghanistan (6.1 million).
• 32% of refugees are hosted in five countries: Iran (3.8 million), Türkiye (3.1 million), Colombia (2.8 million), Germany (2.7 million), and Uganda (1.7 million).
• 71% of refugees are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, with the least developed nations providing asylum to 22% of the total.
• 47 million forcibly displaced people are children, making up 40% of the total.
• 518,600 refugees returned or were resettled in the first half of 2024.

The scale of displacement continues to rise, driven by conflict, persecution, and environmental crises.

CATEGORIES OF REFUGEES

According to the United Nations refugees can be classified in 8 categories based on the circumstances that forced them to flee. Here are the common types:

1. WAR REFUGEES

Those escaping armed conflict, often leaving behind everything to seek safety.

The countries producing the most war refugees in 2024 include:

• Syria – Over 25 million refugees have fled due to the ongoing civil war.
• Ukraine – More than 6 million people have left the country following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
• Afghanistan – Years of conflict and instability have led to over 6 million refugees fleeing the country.
• Sudan – The civil war has displaced millions, with over 12 million refugees and internally displaced persons.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – Armed conflicts have forced over 8.7 million people to flee.

2. RELIGIOUS REFUGEES

Individuals fleeing persecution based on their faith or religious practices.

Several countries produce large numbers of religious refugees, often due to persecution, discrimination, or violence against specific faith communities. Based on recent data, some of the most significant sources of religious refugees include:

• Afghanistan – Religious minorities, including Christians, Sikhs, and Hazaras, face severe persecution, especially under Taliban rule.
• Myanmar – The Rohingya, a Muslim minority, have been systematically persecuted and displaced.
• Syria – Ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of various religious groups, including Christians and Yazidis.
• China – Uyghur Muslims and members of underground Christian churches have faced repression and forced displacement.
• Iran – Converts to Christianity and members of the Baha’i faith experience persecution and imprisonment.
• Pakistan – Religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadi Muslims, face violence and legal discrimination.
• Nigeria – Religious violence, particularly targeting Christians in the north, has led to significant displacement.
• Eritrea – Government repression of religious groups, including Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses, has forced many to flee.

3. INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS)

People who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict or disaster but remain within their own country.

As of 2024, the countries with the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to conflict, violence, and disasters include:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – 6.9 million IDPs, largely due to ongoing armed conflicts.
• Sudan – Over 9.1 million IDPs, driven by civil war and political instability.
• Ukraine – Millions displaced due to the ongoing war.
• Syria – A significant number of IDPs remain due to the prolonged conflict.
• Afghanistan, Colombia, and Yemen – Each has millions of IDPs due to war, violence, and instability.

4. POLITICAL REFUGEES

People persecuted for their political beliefs or activism.

Countries that produce the most political refugees are often those experiencing authoritarian rule, political persecution, or civil unrest. Based on recent data, some of the leading sources of political refugees include:

• Afghanistan – Many Afghans have fled due to Taliban rule and political instability.
• Syria – Ongoing conflict and government repression have forced millions to seek asylum.
• Venezuela – Economic collapse and political persecution have led to mass displacement.
• Myanmar – The military coup and persecution of activists have driven many to flee.
• Iran – Political dissent is often met with harsh punishment, leading to asylum seekers abroad.
• Russia – Crackdowns on political opposition have resulted in many seeking refuge elsewhere.
• China – Political dissidents, including pro-democracy activists, have sought asylum in other countries.
• Eritrea – Forced conscription and government repression have led to significant refugee flows.
• North Korea – Strict government control and human rights abuses push many to escape.

5. ASYLUM SEEKERS

Individuals who have fled their country and are seeking legal recognition as refugees but have not yet received official status.

The countries receiving the most asylum seekers in 2025 include:

• Germany – A leading destination for asylum seekers, particularly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey.
• United States – Hosts large numbers of asylum seekers from Latin America, including Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti.
• Egypt – A significant hub for asylum seekers from Sudan and other African nations.
• Spain – Receives asylum seekers from Venezuela, Colombia, and various African countries.
• Canada – A key destination for asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Syria, and Latin America.

6. CLIMATE REFUGEES

Those displaced due to environmental disasters, such as droughts, floods, or rising sea levels.

Climate refugees are individuals forced to flee their homes due to environmental disasters and climate change. Here are some real-world examples:

• Kiribati and Tuvalu – Rising sea levels threaten these Pacific island nations, forcing residents to relocate.
• Bangladesh – Coastal erosion and flooding have displaced millions, pushing them into overcrowded urban areas.
• Puerto Rico – Hurricanes like Maria have led to mass migration to the U.S. mainland.
• The Sahel Region (Africa) – Desertification and drought have forced communities to abandon traditional farming.
• Alaskan Villages – Melting permafrost and coastal erosion threaten indigenous communities.
• The Maldives – Rising ocean levels endanger the entire nation.
• Syria – Prolonged drought contributed to instability and displacement.

7. HUNGER REFUGEES

People forced to migrate due to food insecurity and famine.

Hunger refugees are individuals forced to flee their homes due to extreme food insecurity and famine. Here are some examples:

• Somalia: The 2011 famine displaced hundreds of thousands, with many seeking refuge in Kenya and Ethiopia.
• South Sudan: Ongoing conflict and drought have led to severe hunger, forcing people to migrate in search of food.
• Yemen: The humanitarian crisis has left millions food insecure, with many fleeing to neighbouring countries.
• Syria: War and economic collapse have driven millions into hunger, leading to displacement within and beyond the country.
• Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh: Many face food shortages in overcrowded camps after fleeing persecution in Myanmar.

8. STATELESS PERSONS

Individuals who do not have citizenship in any country, often due to legal or political reasons.

SOUTH AFRICAN REFUGEES

While South Africans grapple with challenges such as drought, hunger, racial tensions, and crime, the country’s constitution upholds fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, religion, and association. These protections mean that, from a legal and semantic point of view, South Africans do not qualify as refugees under international law.

However, the question remains: Are white South Africans being specifically targeted based on race? This claim has been widely debated, with some individuals alleging persecution, while others argue that crime and socioeconomic struggles affect all racial groups rather than being racially motivated. Distinguishing between genuine persecution and broader systemic challenges is crucial when assessing claims of refugee status.

SOUTH AFRICAN MURDER HOTSPOTS

South Africa has several murder hotspots, with certain areas consistently reporting high homicide rates. According to recent crime statistics, the locations with the highest murder rates include:

• Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal – One of the most dangerous areas, frequently topping murder statistics.
• uMlazi, KwaZulu-Natal – Another hotspot with a high number of violent crimes.
• Nyanga, Western Cape – Historically known as South Africa’s murder capital.
• Delft, Western Cape – A high-crime area with frequent gang-related violence.
• Khayelitsha, Western Cape – A township with significant violent crime rates.
• Mfuleni, Western Cape – Another area with rising murder cases.
• Plessislaer, KwaZulu-Natal – Reports high homicide rates.
• Mthatha, Eastern Cape – A hotspot for violent crime.

None of South Africa’s top 30 murder hotspots are located in traditionally white residential areas; instead, they are found within historically black, coloured, or Indian communities.  There is therefore no “genocidal” threat against one particular race only.  Everybody in South Africa suffers the consequences of crime.

The 49 “refugees” from South Africa who have sought asylum in the United States this past week are exercising their right to do so. Their decision is based on personal circumstances, and they deserve the freedom to seek safety without undue criticism or obstruction from those who face different conditions.

However, transparency is essential. The process should avoid claims and definitions that detract from the reality of those fleeing genuine life-threatening conditions—individuals escaping environments where death is not just a possibility but an imminent daily risk.

 

• https://www.unhcr.org/about-unhcr/overview/figures-glance
• https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/breaking-latest-crime-stats-where-are-murder-hot-spots-south-africa/