South African Catholic Bishop Urges Government to Ensure Justice for Asylum Seekers after Court Ruling

Bishop Joseph Mary Kizito is calling on the South African government to ensure asylum seekers receive fair treatment following a Constitutional Court ruling on the right to seek asylum.

The Bishop of Aliwal, who serves as the Liaison Bishop for Migrants, Refugees, and Human Trafficking for the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, welcomed the July 7, 2026, court decision. He urged the Department of Home Affairs to strengthen its capacity, improve communication regarding the ruling, and ensure people can access offices to lodge applications.

Bishop Kizito also asked the government, civil society, and local communities to support the implementation of the ruling so that applicants have a fair opportunity to present their cases. Additionally, he congratulated Judge Navanethem Pillay on receiving the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, noting her history of prosecuting war crimes and genocide.