Group claims Lesotho citizens are being denied entry at South African border

Humanitarian Consequences

Those affected may include students heading to educational institutions, patients requiring medical care, traders transporting goods, and migrant workers. The association mentioned a case of a man from Lesotho allegedly denied entry on December 27, 2023, noting this is just one example of an ongoing problem.

Since Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa and has no sea access, blocking access through South Africa effectively deprives the population of the ability to lead a full life.

Violation of International Norms

March and Mart movement leader Jacinta Ngobeze-Zuma called on South Africans to pay attention to immigration issues in the country. MWA-Ls also assert that such denials may contradict several international and regional agreements governing human movement and transit rights for landlocked countries, including provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocols, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

The association emphasized that the daily issuance of 'undesirability' declarations without due process, written reasons, and the possibility of appeal violates current legislation.

Calls to the International Community

MWA-Ls appealed for intervention from the South African government, SADC, the African Union, the United Nations, and the European Union. Proposed measures include establishing a joint monitoring mechanism for the Lesotho-South Africa border with SADC participation, implementing an expedited appeal procedure for those denied entry, and conducting additional training for border personnel regarding the legal rights of citizens of landlocked countries.

The association insists that their demands concern fundamental rights such as the right to movement, work, health, and transit, not privileges, and calls on the global community to support this initiative.