Humanitarian Assistance Project in Secunda, Mpumalanga Province.

Humanitarian Assistance Project in Musina, Limpopo Province.

CoRMSA’s Position on Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Process

CoRMSA Position on Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout!

At a webinar organised by CORMSA on the 11th March 2021. Mark Heywood was invited to present on “Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Process and its implications/benefit thereof”.

Over 25 people joined and participated in the discussion. What follows is an overview of the context of the discussion and key action points that came out of the discussion.
CoRMSA was mandated at its Members Meeting to organise such a discussion at its Members meeting that took place on the 5th February 2021.

In his previous address (01 February 2021), on progress in the national effort to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that “We all want to be free of this disease. We all want to be safe, and for those we love to be safe. We aim to make the vaccine available to all adults living in South Africa, regardless of their citizenship or residence status. We will be putting in place measures to deal with the challenge of undocumented migrants so that, as with all other people, we can properly record and track their vaccination history”. He further alluded to the humanly fact that “It is in the best interests of all that as many of us receive the vaccine as possible”.

CoRMSA welcomes and commend the above strong, progressive, cohesive and nation building statement by the president of South Africa to extend and make the vaccine to be available to all who live in South Africa. Like any other country around the globe, South Africa hosts asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. This is a very strong democratic move Mr. President. CoRMSA would like to also applaud the Mr President by making it clear that, “Nobody will be forced to take this vaccine. Nobody will be forbidden from travelling, from enrolling at school, or from taking part in any public activity if they have not been vaccinated”. CoRMSA strongly believes that this statement sends and advocates for better and democratic human rights access and protection on both public servants (especially health care providers e.g. Nurses, Doctors etc.) and more importantly, the service users (rights holders). Constitutionally, access to health care services is a basic right for everyone and that no one may be refused emergency medical treatment. As such, Covid-19 Vaccine is an emergency medical treatment to which everyone is entitled (Section 27 (1) and (3) of the Constitution).

CoRMSA Members met and intensively discussed the Covid-19 pandemic, its impact and engaged the access to Vaccine thereof. Below is CoRMSA’s advocacy position on Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out.

1. Covid-19 affects and impacts on everyone’s life equally regardless of nationality and documentation status.

2. Everyone (asylum seekers, refugees, economic migrants and local community) must voluntarily take the vaccine through accredited health facilities.

3. Undocumented migrants and statelessness persons must be afforded equal opportunities to access the Vaccine.

4. CoRMSA argues that, undocumented migrants and statelessness person form part of the larger community in South Africa. Therefore, segregating and excluding these groups of people will be a step back in achieving a society that is free and safe from Covid-19.
5. CoRMSA takes note of the different vaccines available for everyone, all these Vaccines must be registered and be facilitated through accredited health facilities.

6. CoRMSA to facilitate the establishment of Covid-19 Vaccination process Monitoring System to provide oversight and be used as a strategic intervention to mitigate against unfair discrimination of anyone attempting to gain access to be vaccinated. It is proposed that these be established in partnership and be set up in all accredited vaccination health facilities to ensure equitable access and human rights protection for all.

7. Simplified “Access to Covid-19 Vaccine” educational and awareness raising materials must be developed and circulated across the country. This must take the form of treatment literacy to assist in the education of all who live in South Africa about the names of the different vaccines and who makes them, what is a vaccine and related information to ensure we can all make an informed choice based on scientifically verifiable facts.

8. CoRMSA to take initiatives to establish that The Department of Health and Corona Virus Command Council works closely with all stakeholders from Civil Society Organisations to Labour and Private Sector throughout the vaccination process.

9. CoRMSA to work in collaboration with members to develop a framing document on managing outbreaks of communicable diseases in the region in the c9ontext of migration and movement of people with a focus on climate crisis and related factors that are contributing to the phenomenon of COVID relates outbreaks.

This covid-19 roll-out position is endorsed and adopted by CoRMSA Members.

For more information contact: thifulufheli@cormsa.org.za

[PRESS STATEMENT] International Migrants Day 2020.

For Immediate release: 18 December 2020
Press Release: International Migrants Day.

“Upholding and Reimagining the Human Rights of Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants”.

December 18th marks International Migrants Day. The United Nations (UN) International Migrants Day is annually held since 2000 to recognize the efforts, contributions, and rights of migrants worldwide. It is a day set aside by the UN to recognize the estimated 272 million migrants that are integral members of all our societies today. The UN proclamation of the International Migrants’ Day was an important step, offering a rallying point for everyone across the world who is concerned with the protection of migrants. On this day, UN member states, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations are encouraged to observe this day by disseminating information on human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, sharing experiences, and undertaking action to ensure their protection.

South Africa like any other country in the world hosts both forced and economic migrants from around the continent and beyond. Whereas South Africa is progressive in having signed the UN and OAU Conventions on Refugees, these international charters have been domesticated into our own legislations and many of the most vulnerable migrants, asylum seekers and refugees are frequently denied their human rights – which recognize the inherent dignity, equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human race. The Universal Declaration states that, “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” Which elements build the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

The year 2020’s International Migrants Day theme is Reimagining Human Mobility #MigrantsDay. According the UN, migrants contribute their knowledge, networks, and skills to build stronger, more resilient communities. During the past months, migrants have been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Their work in health, transportation and food services made our lives under lockdown more bearable. People on the move hope for a brighter future. It is our collective responsibility to create a safer, more resilient world. CoRMSA completely agrees with these sentiments echoed by the UN in commemorating and celebrating this day during this difficult period and we all need to reimagine the human movement.

The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Migrants Day. This day provides us with an opportunity to remember migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and reiterate the need to respect their human rights and dignity. The respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of all migrants is essential to realise the benefits of international migration such as the positive contributions (economically and socially) migrants make to the development both in their countries of origin and destination. Although migration is envisaged to bring a positive and empowering experience for both migrants and the destination countries, many migrants endure human rights violations. Conversely, while the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted people’s lives, however, some sections of society have been more severely affected than others. In South Africa, before and with the current global health pandemic, vulnerable groups including asylum seekers, refugees, economic migrants, women and children are frequently denied the rights that should be afforded to them such as access to basic health care, basic education and access to documentation. They also continue to endure hardships and human rights violations which include experiences of xenophobic attacks and xenophobic rhetoric common in public discourse.

On this day, CoRMSA is calling upon all governments, international organizations, relevant authorities and civil society organisations to welcome migrants and commit to effectively promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants by ensuring that their fundamental rights as laid out in Chapter 2 of the Constitution are realized. This day, is significant more than ever as the world fights a global health pandemic which has been compounded with intolerances, injustices and human rights violations against refugees, asylum seekers and migrants characterized by a fundamental disregard for human rights
As the world continues to grapple with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which has deteriorated vulnerabilities of millions in the region regardless of their race, gender or nationality, international migrant’s day provides an opportunity for all of us to stand united and eliminate prejudices and raise awareness of migrants’ contributions in the economic, cultural and social fields, for the benefit of both their country of origin and their country of destination.

For more information contact Thifulufheli Sinthumule at thifulufheli@cormsa.org.za

MigrantsDay #DocumentUs #CollectiveCulture

CoRMSA: Call for Tender To Perform Project Audit.

Opportunity closing date: Thursday, 31 December, 2020Opportunity type: Call for proposals

Background information:

The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) is a national network of twenty-five (26) organisations whose main objectives and mission are the promotion and protection of the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees and other international migrants in ways that promote the well-being of all in South Africa and the region. The Consortium has over twenty years of experience working on migration and refugee protection engaging in advocacy and lobbying, including policy submissions; coordination and network building; capacity building; community engagement and dialogue; rights awareness and information sharing. Our member organisations include legal practitioners, community-based refugee- and migrant-led organisations, advice offices, academic institutions, and social service providers amongst others.
 
CoRMSA in partnership with German-based KINDERNOTHILFE (KNH) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) are currently implementing “Children in Migration and their communities are empowered to claim their human rights” project. This 41 (October 2019 to March 2023) months’ project is targeting Children and Youth in Migration and their communities to see that they are empowered to be able to claim their human rights so that they can enjoy inclusive policies and have access to basic services.

CoRMSA as the Beneficiary is required by KNH to submit annual audit reports and a final project audit report produced by a Certified Chartered Accountant in support of the payments requested by the Beneficiary and made by the BMZ and KNH under the terms and conditions of the Project Agreement.
 
Subject of this engagement are the project audits (i.e. all annual audits and a final project audit covering the entire project duration) to be conducted in connection with the Project Agreement for the period covering the 15 October 2019 and 15 March 2023 and the project entitled “Children in Migration and their communities are empowered to claim their human rights”. The next Annual Project Audit is due 31^st March 2021 and part of this Annual Audit will be the 2019 Project Audit.
 
The objective of this engagement is for the Auditor to verify that the expenditure claimed by the Beneficiary (CoRMSA) in the Financial Report for the project is accurate and eligible and to submit to the Beneficiary a report of factual findings with regard to the agreed-upon procedures performed. Eligibility means that the funds provided by the grant have been spent in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Project Agreement.

The objective is further to obtain reasonable assurance whether the Beneficiary’s Financial Report is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, thereby enabling the Auditor to express an opinion on whether the financial report was prepared, in all material aspects, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the project country.
 
The Auditor will be responsible for performing the agreed-upon procedures as specified in the Terms of Reference and for submitting a report of factual findings to KNH and the Beneficiary.

Full and in-depth ToR containing procedures to be performed, roles and responsibilities will be provided upon of an expression of interest/application.
 
Qualification and selection criteria:

• The Auditor and/or the firm is/are a member of a national accounting or auditing body or institution which in turn is a member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).
• The Auditor and/or the firm is/are a member of a National Accounting or Auditing Body or Institution. Although this organisation is not a Member of the IFAC, the Auditor commits him/herself to undertake this engagement in accordance with the IFAC standards and ethics.

Application process:

Prospective Auditor/s should send their application/proposal detailing the following:

• Letter of application stating reasons for your application and why CoRMSA should consider your application including short Biograph.
• At least three references, if applicable:  on donor project audits/experience with BMZ co-funded projects
• Proposed Audit fees
• If team application: roles and structure
• Certified copy of identity document/permit, dispensation, body registration certificate.
• Detailed Project Audit Work Plan

Please submit by the 31^st December 2020.
 
CoRMSA Contact Person:

Ms. Gloria Makxeta
Email: info@cormsa.org.za and cc thifulufheli@cormsa.org.za
Tel: 011 405 7560
Fax: 011 403 7559

link: CoRMSA: Call for Tender To Perform Project Audit | NGO Pulse

[PRESS STATEMENT] International Human Rights Day 10 December 2020.

#StopGenderBasedViolence #16DaysofActivism #DocumentUs

10 December 2020.
For immediate release:

International Human Rights Day.
“Migrant Women and Children’s Rights Are Human Rights Too”.

The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) joins human rights activists, civil society organisations and all governments including the private sector around the world in commemorating and celebrating International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2020. Globally, the year 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone regardless of one’s nationality status or race. In South Africa and the rest of the world, Covid-19 pandemic has further compounded existing inequalities exposing women and children to Gender Based Violence (GBV) To this day, many lives inclusive of Asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and children in migration have been lost due to this pandemic and gender based violence. It has been a sad year to remember for years to come. CoRMSA stands in solidarity with the families of victims of Gender Based Violence and those affected and impacted by this pandemic.

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The 2020 theme is “Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights”. As proclaimed by the United Nations (UN), this year’s Human Rights Day theme relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses on the need to build back better by ensuring Human Rights are central to recovery efforts. CoRMSA agrees with this theme and calls for the recognition and respect of Human Rights including the Human Rights of Migrant Women and Children in Migration as valuable and existing “Human Rights Too”. No one should be left behind during this process.

CoRMSA strongly believes that equal access and human rights protection for all can play an integral role in recovering from this pandemic; addressing gender based violence, inequalities and to build solidarity between the ordinary population, governments, chapter 9 institutions, private sector and civil society organisations. The UDHR states that everyone is entitled to human rights as a human being regardless of their race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It is for this proclamation that CoRMSA is calling for recognition of the human rights of migrant women/ girls and children in migration as human rights too. CoRMSA further calls upon all governments around the globe to also include all non-nationals in all Covid-19 vaccination and treatment processes to promote access to health care services for all.

This Day is commemorated and celebrated in conjunction with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which is an international campaign to challenge and address violence against women and girls. CoRMSA calls upon everyone and all institutions to stand up for human rights protection and better recovery fostering more resilient and just equitable societies free from gender based violence, hate crimes, corrective crimes, xenophobia, racism, racial discrimination and all forms of social ills. Perpetrators of these social ills must be brought to book to face the law and justice. CoRMSA says No to Gender Based Violence, Racism and Xenophobia.

Every human being has something to offer to this world, if we all stand up for equal human rights access, protection, distribution and justice for all, we can recover better and become a better society for all to belong with shared humanity. As cases of Covid-19 continues to rise, I urge all of us to continue following and practicing Covid-19 regulations of keeping social distance, wearing a mask and washing of hands regularly to save lives and protect our loved ones. Says Thifulufheli Sinthumule (CoRMSA Executive Director).

For more information: contact MR. Thifulufheli Sinthumule at thifulufheli@cormsa.org.za

Vacant Position: Communications and Media Officer.

Opportunity closing date: 

Friday, 30 October, 2020

Opportunity type: 

Employment

Vacant Position at CoRMSA Re: Communication and Media Officer
To be based in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Opportunity type: 1^st December 2020 to 31^st December 2021.  
Employment Type: Full time (5 days a week)
Closing date: 30th October 2020.
Report Directly to the Director.
 
The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA / the Consortium) is a national network with a current number of twenty-six (26) member organisations in good standing whose main objectives and mission are the promotion and protection of the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees and other international migrants in ways that promote the well-being of all in South Africa and the region. The Consortium has over twenty years of experience working on migration and refugee protection engaging in advocacy and lobbying, including policy submissions; coordination and network building; capacity building; community engagement and dialogue; rights awareness and information sharing. Our member organisations include legal practitioners, community-based refugee- and migrant-led organisations, advice offices, academic institutions, and social service providers amongst others.

Responsibilities:

• Work in close collaboration with other staff, CoRMSA network members and partners to advocate on matters of Social Justice as they impact on social services, basic human rights and respect to human dignity relating to non-nationals (asylum seekers, refugees and migrants).   
• Develop and use innovative tools and promotional material for effective knowledge sharing, lobbying, campaigning, networking and resource mobilisation;
• Write and edit copy for communication products, including media statements, op-eds, mailers, and other products for a variety of audiences;
•  Contribute to media monitoring, analyse media coverage and identify media opportunities related CoRMSA’s work;
• Develop and implement a Social Media Strategy including implementation of media strategies, tactics and messages, the production of communication products, [newsletters, and brochures].
• Taking minutes that accurately reflect the decisions and discussion that took place during CoRMSA members meeting; workshops, dialogues, staff meetings, forums and networks gatherings etc;
• Writing up these minutes in an agreed format (whether electronically or in hard copy) so that information can be easily discerned and communications are clear.
• Distributing the minutes to the members timeously.
• Ensuring that a copy is filed appropriately.
• Represent CoRMSA in various forums and produce meeting reports thereof;
• Build strategic relationships with relevant government departments and other institutions working with non-nationals in general and on access to social services in particular while identifying advocacy opportunities and strategies for engaging;
• Ensures that CoRMSA norms and code of conducts are maintained all the times;
• Media Communications on issues  related to specific populations known as CoRMSA beneficiaries (asylum seekers, refugees and migrants);
• Assist CoRMSA staff in drafting identifying and drafting of Funding Proposals for CoRMSA;
• Perform any other operational duties as per the Director directive that will benefit CoRMSA.
• Management of Members through regular communication and management of the CORMSA membership Data base and related social media platforms.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree/diploma/higher certificate with major subjects in either communication, public relations, journalism, media, a related field or related work experience;
• Diverse experience working on migration and social services related issues including education, social security, labour, documentations, health as they relate to refugees and migrants and understanding of asylum seeker, refugee and immigration laws is a prerequisite;
• Job related knowledge required for this position includes public relations/media, branding and marketing, social/digital media, WordPress, publishing (print and electronic), production, and impact monitoring;
• Willingness to work after hours and on weekends when required;
• Knowledge of any African language or French language will be an advantage;
• Valid Drivers’ license is essential
• Travelling out of the Gauteng province, regionally and internationally is a must.

Application can be sent to:
Ms Gloria Makxeta – Finance and Admin Officer

Email: info@cormsa.org.za or Fax: + 27 11 403 7559. Tel: 011 403 7560.

NB! Please, take note that if you do not hear from us within two weeks of the application closing date, consider your application unsuccessful. Application closes on 30th October 2020 at 4pm.

Vacant Position: Communications and Media Officer.

Opportunity closing date: Friday, 30 October, 2020Opportunity type: Employment

Vacant Position at CoRMSA Re: Communication and Media Officer
To be based in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Opportunity type: 1^st December 2020 to 31^st December 2021.  
Employment Type: Full time (5 days a week)
Closing date: 30th October 2020.
Report Directly to the Director.
 
The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA / the Consortium) is a national network with a current number of twenty-six (26) member organisations in good standing whose main objectives and mission are the promotion and protection of the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees and other international migrants in ways that promote the well-being of all in South Africa and the region. The Consortium has over twenty years of experience working on migration and refugee protection engaging in advocacy and lobbying, including policy submissions; coordination and network building; capacity building; community engagement and dialogue; rights awareness and information sharing. Our member organisations include legal practitioners, community-based refugee- and migrant-led organisations, advice offices, academic institutions, and social service providers amongst others.

Responsibilities:

• Work in close collaboration with other staff, CoRMSA network members and partners to advocate on matters of Social Justice as they impact on social services, basic human rights and respect to human dignity relating to non-nationals (asylum seekers, refugees and migrants).   
• Develop and use innovative tools and promotional material for effective knowledge sharing, lobbying, campaigning, networking and resource mobilisation;
• Write and edit copy for communication products, including media statements, op-eds, mailers, and other products for a variety of audiences;
•  Contribute to media monitoring, analyse media coverage and identify media opportunities related CoRMSA’s work;
• Develop and implement a Social Media Strategy including implementation of media strategies, tactics and messages, the production of communication products, [newsletters, and brochures].
• Taking minutes that accurately reflect the decisions and discussion that took place during CoRMSA members meeting; workshops, dialogues, staff meetings, forums and networks gatherings etc;
• Writing up these minutes in an agreed format (whether electronically or in hard copy) so that information can be easily discerned and communications are clear.
• Distributing the minutes to the members timeously.
• Ensuring that a copy is filed appropriately.
• Represent CoRMSA in various forums and produce meeting reports thereof;
• Build strategic relationships with relevant government departments and other institutions working with non-nationals in general and on access to social services in particular while identifying advocacy opportunities and strategies for engaging;
• Ensures that CoRMSA norms and code of conducts are maintained all the times;
• Media Communications on issues  related to specific populations known as CoRMSA beneficiaries (asylum seekers, refugees and migrants);
• Assist CoRMSA staff in drafting identifying and drafting of Funding Proposals for CoRMSA;
• Perform any other operational duties as per the Director directive that will benefit CoRMSA.
• Management of Members through regular communication and management of the CORMSA membership Data base and related social media platforms.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree/diploma/higher certificate with major subjects in either communication, public relations, journalism, media, a related field or related work experience;
• Diverse experience working on migration and social services related issues including education, social security, labour, documentations, health as they relate to refugees and migrants and understanding of asylum seeker, refugee and immigration laws is a prerequisite;
• Job related knowledge required for this position includes public relations/media, branding and marketing, social/digital media, WordPress, publishing (print and electronic), production, and impact monitoring;
• Willingness to work after hours and on weekends when required;
• Knowledge of any African language or French language will be an advantage;
• Valid Drivers’ license is essential
• Travelling out of the Gauteng province, regionally and internationally is a must.

Application can be sent to:
Ms Gloria Makxeta – Finance and Admin Officer

Email: info@cormsa.org.za or Fax: + 27 11 403 7559. Tel: 011 403 7560.

NB! Please, take note that if you do not hear from us within two weeks of the application closing date, consider your application unsuccessful. Application closes on 30th October 2020 at 4pm.

What’s Happening This Week?

05 November-11th November

This week CoRMSA and its member organisations are organizing and apart of various activities and events in forwarding our mandate to promote and protect the human rights of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in South Africa.

06 November 2018

The African Centre for Migration and Society (ACMS), a CoRMSA member organisation, is hosting their weekly seminar. This weeks seminar is titled: The spectacle versus the ordinary: Urban change and narratives of difference along a ‘Chinese’ street in suburban Johannesburg by Romain Dittgen (African Centre for Migration & Society, University of the Witwatersrand) and Gerald Chungu (School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand). Find the Facebook event here for more details.

08 November

Thifulufheli, CoRMSA’s director, will be in Windhoek Namibia from 8th-9th November attending the 16th Regional Seminar of EU-ACP Economic and Social Interest Groups. He will be presenting on projects that CoRMSA has developed and implemented in promoting and protecting the rights of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Read the background story to the seminar and engagements here.

Abigail will be attending the Migrants Psycho-Social Rights Forum hosted my Sophiatown Community Psychological Services. This forum brings together various Civil Society Organizations working with migrants including Lawyers for Human Rights, Future Families, CSVR and UNHCR. There are four task teams covering areas of access to healthcare, education, documentation and employment. These task teams collaborate to strengthen advocacy efforts to make these basic rights for refugees, migrants and asylum seekers attainable.