On August 27, 2009, Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board granted refugee status to a South African who claimed he had been attacked at least six times in Cape Town. The tribunal held that the refugee had provided “clear and convincing proof of [South Africa’s] inability or unwillingness to protect him.” While Canada does not release details of its refugee claim decisions, this appears to be the first time a white South African has been granted protection for race-related reasons. Could the United States be next to provide refugee status to South Africans who have been the victims of violent attacks?
