Charles Martel
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CTV News
A decision by a Canadian immigration tribunal to grant a white South African refugee status on claims he was persecuted because of his skin colour "perpetuate racism," the South African government says.
Last week, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada granted refugee status to Brandon Huntley, who claimed he was the victim of numerous attempted robberies and muggings.
According to Huntley, whites in South Africa are often the target of black criminals, and the government has done nothing to intervene. He says he has been unable to find a job in his home country, and has lived in Canada illegally since 2006.
Huntley's lawyer, Russell Kaplan, said tribunal chair William Davis ruled that his client's skin colour would make him stand out in the country like a "sore thumb."
In a written decision, Davis said: "I find that the claimant was a victim because of his race (white South African) rather than a victim of criminality."
The ruling went on to say that Huntley, "has presented clear and convincing proof of the state's inability or unwillingness to protect him."
The South African government said it was dismayed by the decision and called Huntley's allegations "sensational and alarming."
"Canada's reasoning for granting Huntley refugee status can only serve to perpetuate racism," said African National Congress spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi.
A spokesperson for the South African immigration ministry said Huntley's "claims were aimed at tarnishing the good name of black and white South Africans...and were racially motivated."
"It would have been courteous for the Canadian government to allow the South African government to respond to these claims," Ronnie Mamoepa said.
A spokesperson for the immigration board refused to comment on the case Tuesday, citing privacy provisions.
South Africa's national police commissioner denied Wednesday that victims of crime in the country are targeted because of their skin colour. Edited by: Parody
A decision by a Canadian immigration tribunal to grant a white South African refugee status on claims he was persecuted because of his skin colour "perpetuate racism," the South African government says.
Last week, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada granted refugee status to Brandon Huntley, who claimed he was the victim of numerous attempted robberies and muggings.
According to Huntley, whites in South Africa are often the target of black criminals, and the government has done nothing to intervene. He says he has been unable to find a job in his home country, and has lived in Canada illegally since 2006.
Huntley's lawyer, Russell Kaplan, said tribunal chair William Davis ruled that his client's skin colour would make him stand out in the country like a "sore thumb."
In a written decision, Davis said: "I find that the claimant was a victim because of his race (white South African) rather than a victim of criminality."
The ruling went on to say that Huntley, "has presented clear and convincing proof of the state's inability or unwillingness to protect him."
The South African government said it was dismayed by the decision and called Huntley's allegations "sensational and alarming."
"Canada's reasoning for granting Huntley refugee status can only serve to perpetuate racism," said African National Congress spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi.
A spokesperson for the South African immigration ministry said Huntley's "claims were aimed at tarnishing the good name of black and white South Africans...and were racially motivated."
"It would have been courteous for the Canadian government to allow the South African government to respond to these claims," Ronnie Mamoepa said.
A spokesperson for the immigration board refused to comment on the case Tuesday, citing privacy provisions.
South Africa's national police commissioner denied Wednesday that victims of crime in the country are targeted because of their skin colour. Edited by: Parody