A WHITE South African granted refugee status in Canada on the grounds that he faced persecution by black criminals at home may have his status revoked following a decision by the Canadian government to challenge the ruling.
Last week, Canada’s independent immigration and refugee board found “clear and convincing proof” that Brandon Huntley (31), from Mowbray near Cape Town, was targeted by criminals because of his race, and the South African government did nothing to protect him.
The ruling has received widespread attention in South Africa, angering many in the government, who say Mr Huntley has taken the Canadian immigration board, which is independent of government, for a “ride”.
Mr Huntley, who applied for refugee status last year, told the tribunal he was attacked seven times and stabbed four times by “African South Africans” during his time in South Africa.
He never reported any of the attacks to the police.
The board’s chairman, William Davis, granted him refugee status, saying the evidence presented painted a picture “of indifference and inability or unwillingness” on the part of the South African government to protect Mr Huntley.
However, the Canadian federal government agreed to review the ruling after receiving a number of requests to do so by the South Africans, who say it is an inaccurate reflection of life in their country.
South Africa’s deputy international relations minister Sue van der Merwe said the government was urging the Canadians to find a way to rescind the decision because it “cast South Africa in an appalling light”.
The Canadian federal citizenship and immigration department spokeswoman Danielle Norris said yesterday that after reviewing the contentious decision they had decided to challenge it.
“However, a judicial review by the federal court will not hear additional evidence, with respect to the facts, for example, conditions in South Africa,” she said.
If a judicial review finds that the ruling is incorrect and revokes Mr Huntley’s status, he may be forced to return to South Africa.