100 signatures reached
To: Justice Minister of Ireland
South Africa is NOT safe
We, a group of South African international protection applicants in Ireland, urgently call on Ireland’s Minister for Justice to remove South Africa from the list of ‘safe countries.’ South Africa faces severe violence, discrimination, and instability, making it unsafe for many. Recognizing this reality would allow for fairer asylum processes and protection for those in need. Please support us by signing our petition for justice and safety.
Why is this important?
• 12,734 murders in the first half of 2024, with an average of 70 people murdered daily.
• 11,520 civilian casualties in the Ukraine war between February 2022 and July 2024.
• 42,780 rapes reported in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (1 rape every 12 minutes).
• 15,343 kidnappings reported in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (51 per day).
• 5,488 cars hijacked between April and June 2024 (60 per day).
Can you imagine living under these conditions?
For just one week or one month, consider what it would feel like to live in such an environment.
Your home:
1. Alarm system always armed.
2. Bars on your windows, never opened at night or when you’re not in the room.
3. Security gates on your front and back doors, always locked.
4. High property walls covered in electric fencing.
5. CCTV cameras for constant monitoring.
Even with all these security features, the average South African rarely sleeps deeply, fearing that someone may bypass these measures and enter their home to rob, kill, or assault them. If the alarm is triggered, it’s often not the police who respond but a private security company, and response times can range from 30 minutes to never.
On the streets:
Walking requires constant vigilance. Nobody walks alone. Children don’t play in parks, walk to visit friends, or go to the mall without close adult supervision. Many children cannot even play in their own yards unsupervised.
Crime Statistics in Major South African Cities
Cape Town, South Africa
• Population: 464,986
• Murder rate: 64 per 100,000 inhabitants
Cape Town ranks among the world’s most dangerous cities, with a murder rate of 66.36 per 100,000 residents.
Johannesburg, South Africa
• Population: 5,866,550
• Murder rate: 37.9 per 100,000 inhabitants
Johannesburg is one of the world’s deadliest cities, where displaying wealth can make you a target for kidnapping. Traveling in an armored vehicle or with a large group is recommended for safety.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
• Population: 475,238
Both public and private transport, day and night, can be dangerous in Pietermaritzburg. Violent crimes peak at night. It’s recommended to avoid taking out cash unless inside a hotel or bank due to the high crime rate and low police presence.
Pretoria, South Africa
• Population: 741,651
• Murder rate: 38 per 100,000 inhabitants
Pretoria is another dangerous city where travelers should avoid walking or traveling at night. Armed robberies and gang violence are prevalent, making armored vehicles a safer option for those who can access them.
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