Sonke’s work with refugees and migrants focuses on addressing the specific gender and HIV vulnerabilities of refugees and migrants, on challenging xenophobia and the frequent violations of rights faced by refugees and migrants and on advocating for access to vital health and social services. Currently Sonke implements the Refugee Health and Rights Programme in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The work includes conducting HIV prevention and gender workshops with groups of refugees while also discussing issues pertaining to refugee rights. We also distribute male and female condoms to refugees and share HIV prevention messages at Department of Home Affairs premises, in appropriate languages.
The RHR team also conducts workshops and activities in schools. Sonke has been supported in its work with refugees by UNHCR, Foundation for Human Rights and UNFPA.
