From May 3rd to 10th, the GRABS team embarked on a research trip to South Africa. In collaboration with the HEARD team from Kwazulu-Natal University and Refugee Social Services (RSS), we conducted six focus group discussions with young people aged 15-25 in Durban (eThekwini), on the East coast of the country. Some of these young people were still in school, others had left. We talked about the main challenges that faced them as young people in situations of forced migration including lack of documentation, absence of sustainable livelihoods, and limited access to resources. We also talked about what activities they would like to be involved in in the next stages of the project.
In addition, we conducted key informant interviews with individuals who have experience working with young people in situations of forced migration, to gain a better understanding of reception policies, support practices, and more.
On Friday, May 9th, we traveled to Johannesburg, where we met with several other refugee grassroots organizations operating in the city.
As the impact of US funding cuts spreads, many organizations in both cities are being forced to dismiss staff, which is affecting the services available to refugees and asylum seekers. These organizations provide vital assistance to forced migrants, who are now facing even more hardship.