This programme is the newest of the PCRD’s programmes having been in existence for three years. The programme seeks to undertake the following: To work in local communities with all refugee and community stakeholders to improve the level of communication between these groups as well as support the integration of refugees into the community and reduce and manage any conflicts that occur. To raise public awareness in the communities on the plight and needs of refugees to enable refugees at some level to integrate with the communities. To work specifically with Education Districts to assist refugee children to enroll at schools and to attend schools with-out fear. To assist schools with information to ensure refugee children are admitted at school. Programme Goal To contribute to the creation of a just rights-based and enabling environment for refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants in South Africa Highlights Establishment of Refugee and Migrant Stakeholder Fora in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth and Humansdorp consisting of Refugee and Migrant Groups, Civil Society, SAPS, local government and provincial departments. The purpose of the fora is to share information, act as a platform for problems to be discussed and to improve the relationships between the stakeholders PCRD is an associate of the HIVOS/Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT) Eastern Cape Migration Programme and this enabled the PCRD to train over 550, SAPS members, magistrates, refugees and migrants, teachers, civil society members and local government officials. The training focused on: The Asylum Seeker and Refugee Application process in South Africa, Refugee and Immigration Law and dealing with Xenophobia. Research into the numbers and needs of Migrants and Refugee children in the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage Education Districts, a cross over activity with the PCRD Refugee and Migrant Programme Development of curriculum complaint lesson plans for Grade 10’s on Migration, Refugee Rights and Xenophobia, a cross over activity with the PCRD Refugee and Migrant Programme An applicant with the Somali Association of South Africa (Eastern Cape) in a successful High Court case to have the permanent closure of the Port Elizabeth Refugee Reception Office by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) declared unlawful and set aside. The case was handled by Lawyers for Human Rights. The decision is pending appeal by but the judgment is a victory in reminding the DHA that they cannot make unilateral decisions that run contrary to legislation. It has also given hope to refugees and asylum seekers that they can fight for their rights. Networking with local civil society organisation to ensure that the rights and needs of refugees and migrants are looked after. These organisations include the NMMU Refugee Rights Centre (free legal advice), Black Sash, Red Cross and SCAT.