The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has raised serious concerns about human rights violations during the government's migrant repatriation programme, despite being called out for these issues.

Senior commissioner Nomahlubi Kwinana highlighted that repatriation centres lacked basic facilities like ablution systems, leading to severe suffering for vulnerable groups including women, children, and people with disabilities.

The SAHRC has attempted to engage with key stakeholders, including ministers from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and International Relations & Co-operation (Dirco), but has not yet secured a meeting with the SAPS minister.

They have raised allegations that the SAPS may have facilitated anti-migrant vigilantism and are considering using subpoena powers to hold responsible parties accountable.

The commission emphasized the need for transparency and called on the government to ensure the repatriation process is lawful and humane, while also addressing the systemic failures that have led to the current crisis.