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Gayther Refugee and Migrant Country Guides

South Africa

Africa and Southern Africa
Help and assistance for Refugees and Migrants
GAYTHER REFUGEE AND MIGRANT COUNTRY GUIDES

00 | FOREWORD

Designed to help you
researching your options
Welcome to the foreword section of the refugee and migrant country guides. This section provides an overview of the guides and the interactive contents section, designed to help you navigate the guide quickly and easily.

Welcome

| TO THE LGBTQIA+ REFUGEE AND MIGRANT GUIDES

Gayther Sections - Refugee Intro
The Gayther Refugee and Migrant guides are designed to support people from the global community; however, they are not exclusively LGBTQIA+ guides, as they contain information, resources, and tips that can help anyone seeking refuge or fleeing challenging situations and circumstances where they live. The guides provide valuable and key information for anyone researching their options, a resource for everyone, allies, friends, and anyone looking to understand the world better, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

No one chooses to become a refugee or an economic migrant; it is typically something that happens to them and is often out of their control. Whether through those in power abusing their position with regard to policies and laws that target the vulnerable, or through war and conflict taking place around where they live. Though it is often forgotten, the cause is war, conflict, mismanagement and abuse of power; the victims are those affected, the refugees and migrants forced to leave their homes and all they have known.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where identifying as a refugee or economic migrant often comes with labels, unfair stereotypes and preconceptions. If you are someone that is seeking refuge, desperate for help and looking for safety and the ability to ensure your fundamental human rights, such as the right to shelter, food and access to healthcare, remember this was done to you, that you are not at fault, you are not to blame and though it may seem like the world is against you, many people, organisations and nations are willing and able to provide you with the support and help you need.

The relationship between those seeking refuge or assistance and those providing it is a social contract, a long-term relationship, based on trust and collaboration. In providing sanctuary, those receiving help will likely have to make a conscious commitment, one in which they work to integrate into their new homes and communities, as well as accept and understand that they are now in a country that has different customs and cultures than the ones they might be used to and know. Finally, everyone acknowledges that integration is the journey, one that will likely take time and commitment, not the final destination.

The guides showcase the state of individual countries, the ratings on the Safe Country Index, the Gayther LGBTQIA+ Equality Index, and the LGBTQIA+ Safe Country Index, all key indicators of how each country treats its people, especially LGBTQIA+ people. You will learn more about the political environment, refugee statistics, useful phrases in the local languages, healthcare information, details about the country as a whole, and, most importantly, a valuable tool that provides estimated distances to the nearest safe countries from where they are located. Whatever your situation, the guides are a helpful tool when researching your options.
We hope you get the support and help you need, and that your situation gets resolved quickly. Wishing you a safe journey from all of us at Gayther.

Contents

| IN PAGE LINKS

Gayther Sections - Phrases
USEFUL PHRASES
Discover all the everyday words and phrases in the languages spoken within the country or region. Phrases from greetings, how to communicate during an emergency, basic instructions and terms for directions and seeking guidance

01 | ABOUT

Learn more about the
country
Learn more about the country, from its official name to its flag and demonyms, as well as the nation’s standing on the safe country index.
South Africa Flag
SOUTH AFRICA
(pronounced - sawth a-fruh-kuh | saʊθ ˈæfrɪkə)
OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of South Africa
DEMONYMS: South African, African
South Africa is part of the Southern Africa region in the continent of Africa. The name South Africa is believed to have derived from the Afrikaans terms for South Africa and is also known as the Rainbow Nation. It is in the Southern hemisphere and is 1.2 million square kilometres in size. The primary languages spoken are Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Sesotho, Zulu, Northern Sotho, Tswana, Swazi, Venda and Tsonga; the capital city is Pretoria and the main currency used is the South African Rand.

Metrics

| KEY STATISTICS

GREEN
2024 SAFE COUNTRY ASSESSMENT


LGBTQIA+ Equality - Very High
Very High
LGBTQIA+ EQUALITY STATUS

What does the LGBTQIA+ equality status mean? Click here for more information
GREEN
2024 LGBTQIA+ SAFE COUNTRY ASSESSMENT


Geography

| ABOUT THE LOCATION

Refugee Country Guide - Geography Capital Icon
CAPITAL
Pretoria
Refugee Country Guide - Geography Regions Icon
REGION
Southern Africa
Refugee Country Guide - Geography Continent Icon
CONTINENT
Africa
Refugee Country Guide - Geography Hemisphere Icon
HEMISPHERE
Southern
Refugee Country Guide - Geography Area Icon
AREA
1219912

(square kilometers)

Refugee Country Guide - Geography Ocean Icon
SURROUNDING OCEAN(S)
Atlantic Ocean | Indian Ocean | Southern (Antartic) Ocean
Region Image
Discover more on Gayther
COUNTRY AND REGIONS
To help you explore the various countries and regions, we have created links to relevant tools, services, and guides.
Gayther Sections - About

02 | REFUGEE CONVENTIONS & POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

The political environment and
sovereignty
Discover more about the country’s political environment, sovereignty, and whether the nation has signed up to the Geneva Refugee Convention and protocol.

Political

| AND REFUGEE CONVENTIONS

Refugee Country Guide - Government Section (500px)

LGBTQIA+

| REFUGEE STATISTICS

The estimated refugee statistical information is adapted based on the refugee data finder service for the current year and by applying the formula used by the Gayther Population Index

Refugee Country Guide - Refugees (200px) - White
REFUGEES
1,772
Refugee Country Guide - Asylum Icon (200px) - White
ASYLUM
2,294
Refugee Country Guide - Total (200px) - White
TOTAL DISPLACED
4,066
Refugee Country Guide - Internally Displaced Icon (200px) - White
INTERNALLY DISPLACED
0
Refugee Country Guide - Stateless (200px) - White
STATELESS
0
Refugee Country Guide - Rank Icon (200px) - White
RANK
33
Find and explore
Knowing what is available and finding services and support in the country you plan to seek refuge or asylum can be challenging. The Refugee and Migrant Services directory was designed for organisations, charities and groups in countries around the world to showcase what they do and how they can help those seeking support. Explore the directory and find organisations, groups and services tailored to help people like you.

USEFUL PHRASES | CRIME TERMS

Common phrases and terms in the local language(s)
IMPORTANT:
All of the languages and terms featured within the useful phrases tool are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The tool is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk
Refugee Country Guide - Translations Crime (500px)
CRIME
misdaad (afrikaans) | crime (english) | - (southern ndebele) | tlōlo ea molao (sesotho) | ubugebengu (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
ABUSE
misbruik (afrikaans) | abuse (english) | - (southern ndebele) | tšebeliso e mpe ea (sesotho) | ukuhlukunyezwa (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
AFRAID
bang (afrikaans) | afraid (english) | - (southern ndebele) | tšoha (sesotho) | esabe (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
ASSISTANCE
hulp (afrikaans) | assistance (english) | - (southern ndebele) | thuso (sesotho) | usizo (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
ASYLUM
asiel (afrikaans) | asylum (english) | - (southern ndebele) | tshireletso (sesotho) | ukukhoseliswa (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
DEATH
dood (afrikaans) | death (english) | - (southern ndebele) | lefu (sesotho) | ukufa (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
DETENTION
aanhouding (afrikaans) | detention (english) | - (southern ndebele) | botlamuoa (sesotho) | avelelwe (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
DISPLACE
verplaas (afrikaans) | displace (english) | - (southern ndebele) | li leleke (sesotho) | azixoshe (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
KIDNAPPING
ontvoering (afrikaans) | kidnapping (english) | - (southern ndebele) | ho koetela (sesotho) | ukuthumba (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
PERSECUTION
vervolging (afrikaans) | persecution (english) | - (southern ndebele) | mahloriso a (sesotho) | ushushiso (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
RAPE
verkragting (afrikaans) | rape (english) | - (southern ndebele) | peto (sesotho) | ukudlwengula (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
SCARED
bang (afrikaans) | scared (english) | - (southern ndebele) | tšohile (sesotho) | ngesaba (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
WAR
oorlog (afrikaans) | war (english) | - (southern ndebele) | ntoa (sesotho) | impi (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)

03 | NOTIFICATIONS

Key notices and information about the
country
Learn more about the current state of the country, where it stands on the LGBTQIA+ equality index, whether it has signed the Refugee Convention or Protocol, and key links to government and supporting organisational resources.
LAST UPDATED:  June 18, 2024
×  LOW-RISK  | The country has progressive laws for the LGBGTQIA+ community and typically should be safe for refugees and migrants from the community. Though progressive, they may not accept asylum applications based on persecution due to a person's sexuality or gender identity....read more

Latest

| STATUS

  • LGBTQIA+ RELATED | The country typically scores high or very high within the Gayther Equality Index. The score means that the government and society will be more accepting of the community and generally have progressive laws in place relating to the local LGBTQIA+ community, such as decriminalising same-sex relationships, the right to marry...more
  • CURRENT STATE | There are currently no known issues or armed conflicts taking place within this country
  • This country is categorised as being a flawed or defective democracy, where it follows democratic principles but where there are known issues...more
  • GENEVA REFUGEE STATUS | This country signed up to both the refugee convention and protocol, which outlines the agreed criteria, status and rights of refugees...more
  • LGBTQIA+ ASYLUM APPLICATIONS | This country historically accepts asylum applications (membership of a particular social group) based on being persecuted for identifying with a specific sexuality or gender identity.
UNHCR Country Information Service
DISCOVER THE LATEST INFORMATION FOR REFUGEES, ASYLUM-SEEKERS AND STATELESS PEOPLE. LEARN ABOUT HOW TO APPLY FOR ASYLUM, RIGHTS AND DUTIES AND MORE



Government

| INFORMATION

Refugee Country Guide - Government Badge
SOUTH AFRICA
GOVERNMENT
parliament | national assembly

A government is comprised of a group of people within a given country with authority to govern a country or state. Governments are typically made up of heads of state (presidents, prime ministers or chief), departments and ministries which represent specific functions and provide services for all those citizens living within the country

Refugee Country Guide - Immigration Badge
SOUTH AFRICA
MINISTRY OF IMMIGRATION OR THE INTERIOR
department of home affairs

The immigration office or ministry is typically a department or organisation within a government that focuses on all things relating to immigration and residency. The department will often manage visa and residency applications, issuing of passports and national ids and all of the relevant rights for living within a given country

A tool to help during a crisis
With over 7,000 languages spoken globally, communicating with officials and those offering assistance can be challenging. The Refugee Communication Tool (RCT) is a valuable resource designed for refugees and those individuals providing assistance, enabling them to communicate with one another. The online tool enables users to select, point, and enter the necessary information in their language and in English, choosing literal translations from a list of over 100 of the most popular and commonly spoken languages globally. Explore the RCT today

04 | HEALTHCARE RELATED

key information relating to
healthcare services
Explore the type of healthcare, whether universal healthcare is available, the healthcare authority and the name of the healthcare service.

Overview

| HEALTHCARE INFORMATION

Gayther Healthcare - Universal Healthcare
UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE COVERAGE
Yes
Gayther Healthcare - Healthcare Category
HEALTHCARE CATEGORY
National Health Insurance (NHI)
Gayther Healthcare - Healthcare Authority
HEALTHCARE AUTHORITY
Department of Health
Gayther Healthcare - Healthcare Name
HEALTHCARE NAME
national health insurance | nasionale gesondheidsversekering | inšorense ya maphelo ya bosetšhaba | i-inshurensi yezempilo yesizwe | ndzindzakhombo wa rihanyo wa rixaka | umshwalense wezempilo kazwelonke
If you are residing within and are travelling to any of the European Union countries (27 countries), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, you might be eligible to the EHIC, which provides you with access to emergency care for free or at a reduced rate depending on the country.
Discover more on Gayther
HEALTH
To learn more about health-related resources, we have created links to relevant tools, services and guides.
Gayther Sections - Health

05 | EMERGENCY INFORMATION

All the essential information needed during an
emergency
When the worst happens, it is important to establish quickly the numbers and ways to reach out to get the help you need. The emergency contacts section provides telephone numbers for emergency services, including ambulances, police and fire rescue.

Emergency

| SERVICES

Afrikaans | English | Southern Ndebele | Sesotho | Zulu | Northern Sotho | Tswana | Swazi | Venda | Tsonga | Xhosa
Official Language(s) spoken in South Africa
The emergency service numbers within South Africa to call during an emergency
  • AMBULANCE - when someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk (emergency medical services and technical rescue)
  • POLICE - when you feel in danger, are in dangerous situations or have witnessed a crime (law enforcement, criminal investigation, and maintenance of public order)
  • FIRE RESCUE - when a fire occurs or where a person needs rescue (fire suppression, technical rescue, and hazardous materials mitigation)


Ambulance
AMBULANCE
ambulans (afrikaans) | ambulance (english) | ambulensi (southern ndebele) | ambulense (sesotho) | ambulensi (zulu ) | ambulense (northern sotho) | koloi ya balwetse (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)

dial
10 177

Call Ambulance Service Now

Police
POLICE
polisie (afrikaans) | police (english) | amaphoyisa (southern ndebele) | mapolesa (sesotho) | amaphoyisa (zulu ) | mapolesa (northern sotho) | mapodisi (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)

dial
10 111

Call Police Now

Fire
FIRE
vuur (afrikaans) | fire (english) | umlilo (southern ndebele) | mollo (sesotho) | umlilo (zulu ) | mollo (northern sotho) | molelô (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)

dial
10 177

Call Fire Service Now


Support

| GROUPS

When going through something challenging, we often feel alone and unable to view the situation objectively. Negative feelings and thoughts can make a situation seem worse and make us feel like no hope or end is in sight. Whatever the problem, issue, or challenge, someone has likely faced similar life obstacles. Issues they are going through now or ones that they have already overcome.

Support groups and services are typically made up of trained professionals and people who have faced similar problems. They have either overcome challenges or found ways to cope with and manage them. These exceptional groups and services are extraordinary, especially those needing a lifeline. Thousands of local and national groups and services help millions of people worldwide. Many of these people have faced some of the most demanding challenges of their lives.

Discover support groups and resources available within the country or region.
Discover more on Gayther
EMERGENCY RESOURCES
To help you get help quickly, we have created links to relevant tools, services and guides.
Gayther Sections - Emergency

06 | DISTANCE TO SAFE COUNTRIES

The distance to the top five
Safe Countries
A safe country of origin, defined within the Geneva Convention, is free from international or internal armed conflict. One that does not persecute, use the threat of violence or torture its citizens, whether temporarily or permanently. Furthermore, it neither endorses nor implements inhuman, degrading treatments or punishments. Lastly, it operates a democratic system, and the general political environment allows for civil freedoms. Each country implements its own definition of what makes a safe country, and all countries do not use one list

Top

| FIVE COUNTRIES

Take pride in
Leaving your country, all that you know, often your family and people that you care about, to venture out in the world to find a safe place takes real courage. Many face challenges, obstacles and even when they finally find a safe place to settle, they quickly discover a whole new set of problems, from language barriers to new cultural and societal traditions, all of which can be complicated for many refugees. The pride in series showcases the bravery and resilience of the many refugees around the world, people who, through no fault of their own, face difficult decisions every day. Explore the pride in series today.

USEFUL PHRASES | PROCESSING

Common phrases and terms in the local language(s)
IMPORTANT:
All of the languages and terms featured within the useful phrases tool are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The tool is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk
Refugee Country Guide - Translations Process (500px)
PROCESSING
verwerking (afrikaans) | processing (english) | - (southern ndebele) | sebetsa (sesotho) | ukucutshungulwa (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
APPLICANT
aansoeker (afrikaans) | applicant (english) | - (southern ndebele) | mokopi (sesotho) | isicelo (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
APPLICATION FORM
aansoekvorm (afrikaans) | application form (english) | - (southern ndebele) | foromo ya kopo (sesotho) | ifomu lesicelo (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
ASYLUM SEEKER
asielsoeker (afrikaans) | asylum seeker (english) | - (southern ndebele) | asylum batla (sesotho) | ofuna indawo yokukhosela (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
CITIZENSHIP
burgerskap (afrikaans) | citizenship (english) | - (southern ndebele) | boahi (sesotho) | yisakhamuzi (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
land van oorsprong (afrikaans) | country of origin (english) | - (southern ndebele) | naha ea tlhaho (sesotho) | izwe azalelwe kulo (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
DATE OF BIRTH
geboortedatum (afrikaans) | date of birth (english) | - (southern ndebele) | letsatsi la tsoalo (sesotho) | usuku lokuzalwa (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
DISPLACEMENT
verplasing (afrikaans) | displacement (english) | - (southern ndebele) | displacement (sesotho) | ukufuduka (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
GENDER
geslag (afrikaans) | gender (english) | - (southern ndebele) | bong (sesotho) | ubulili (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
MIGRANT
migrerende (afrikaans) | migrant (english) | - (southern ndebele) | migrant (sesotho) | ayizisebenzi (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
NAME
naam (afrikaans) | name (english) | - (southern ndebele) | lebitso la (sesotho) | igama (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
NATIONALITY
nasionaliteit (afrikaans) | nationality (english) | - (southern ndebele) | bochaba (sesotho) | ubuzwe (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
PROOF
bewys (afrikaans) | proof (english) | - (southern ndebele) | bopaki (sesotho) | ubufakazi (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
REFUGEE
vlugteling (afrikaans) | refugee (english) | - (southern ndebele) | baphaphathehi (sesotho) | lababaleki (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
RELIGION
godsdiens (afrikaans) | religion (english) | - (southern ndebele) | bolumeli (sesotho) | inkolo (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
RETURN
terugkeer (afrikaans) | return (english) | - (southern ndebele) | khutla (sesotho) | ukubuya (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
SEXUALITY
seksualiteit (afrikaans) | sexuality (english) | - (southern ndebele) | ho kopanela liphate (sesotho) | ubulili (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
STATUS
status (afrikaans) | status (english) | - (southern ndebele) | boemo ba (sesotho) | isimo (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
TRANSIT
transit (afrikaans) | transit (english) | - (southern ndebele) | kangoo (sesotho) | zokuthutha umphakathi (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)

07 | LGBTQIA+ RELATED

The laws, treatment and attitudes towards the
LGBTQIA+ community
Explore the laws and societal attitudes the country has regarding the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether from the community, an ally or someone concerned about where they are visiting, the LGBTQIA+-related section highlights many key areas that might affect visitors and those living within the country or region

IMPORTANT: This section has been created to provide general and basic understandings regarding LGBTQIA+ global rights and treatments. It is essential that before travelling, you independently establish information relating specifically to your requirements and circumstances. If you are unsure or concerned about your safety regarding visiting a specific destination, it is advisable to consult with your country’s foreign office, which will provide advice and guidance regarding destinations around the world.

Equality

| STATUS

LGBTQIA+ Equality - Very High
Very High
LGBTQIA+ EQUALITY STATUS

Key

| AREAS

Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Population Icon
LGBTQIA+ POPULATION
c.1.6 million
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Dollar Icon
LGBTQIA+ DOLLAR
c.6.8 billion
Gayther Sections- Life Sections
LGBTQIA+ ILLEGAL
No
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Anti-Discrimination Icon
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS IN PLACE
Yes
(extensive laws in place)
Discover more about the community
Learn more about how this country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The equality index is based at a national level and covers areas ranging from same-sex marriages to gender recognition
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Same-Sex Unions Icon
SAME-SEX UNIONS RECOGNISED
Yes
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Marriage Icon
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE RECOGNISED
Yes
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Gender Recognition Icon
LEGAL GENDER RECOGNITION
Yes
Refugee Country Guide - LGBTQIA+ Gay Conversion Therapy Icon
GAY CONVERSION THERAPY BANNED
No

LGBTQIA+

| TERMS

Learn the literal translations of key LGBTQIA+ terms in the local languages/dialects
Lesbian Flag
Lesbian
lesbiese (afrikaans) | lesbian (english) | - (southern ndebele) | lesbiana (sesotho) | lesbian (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Gay Flag
Gay
gay (afrikaans) | gay (english) | - (southern ndebele) | gay, (sesotho) | gay (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Bisexual Flag
Bisexual
biseksuele (afrikaans) | bisexual (english) | - (southern ndebele) | dikamano tsa (sesotho) | ngithanda abesilisa nabesifazane (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Transgender Flag
Transgender
transgender (afrikaans) | transgender (english) | - (southern ndebele) | transgender (sesotho) | i-transgender (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Intersex Flag
Intersex
interseks (afrikaans) | intersex (english) | - (southern ndebele) | intersex (sesotho) | i-intersex (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Asexual Flag
Asexual
ongeslagtelike (afrikaans) | asexual (english) | - (southern ndebele) | asexual (sesotho) | asexual (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Questioning Flag
Questioning
ondervraging (afrikaans) | questioning (english) | - (southern ndebele) | ho botsa (sesotho) | ukubuza (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Community Flag
Community
gemeenskap (afrikaans) | community (english) | - (southern ndebele) | setjhabneg (sesotho) | umphakathi (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Gender Flag
Gender
geslagsverwant (afrikaans) | gender related (english) | - (southern ndebele) | bong bo amanang le rona ho ratana ka bong bo (sesotho) | okuhlobene nobulili (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Sexuality Flag
Sexuality
seksualiteit verwant (afrikaans) | sexuality related (english) | - (southern ndebele) | thobalano e amanang (sesotho) | ezocansi zihlobene (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Non-Bingary Flag
Non-Binary
nie-binair (afrikaans) | non-binary (english) | - (southern ndebele) | eo e seng ea binary (sesotho) | okungekho okukhethwa kukho (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Queer Flag
Queer
vreemd (afrikaans) | queer (english) | - (southern ndebele) | queer (sesotho) | queer (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
Refugee Country Guide - Language Country (300px)
Learn more about what it means to be an
Identifying as a refugee or seeking asylum is not something people choose; instead, it is something that happens. Unfortunately, conflicts occur at any given time around the world. Whether a civil war or a battle between two or more countries, all severely impact the civilian population. Poverty, social inequality, racism, persecution, and so many more factors mean those affected have no choice but to leave their homes in search of a better future. For those affected, returning home would likely result in having to face vigilante militias, long prison sentences or, in some cases, certain death. For most refugees, the only solution is to relocate to another, safer country, because staying at home or within their country poses a significant risk. For the LGBTQIA+ community, with over a quarter of the world still criminalising same-sex relationships, the risk is very real. Learn more about what it means to be an LGBTQIA+ refugee, a resource-packed guide complete with helpful resources and interactive tools.
Discover more on Gayther
LGBTQIA+
We have created links to relevant tools, services and guides to learn more about all things relating to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Gayther Guides - LGBTQIA+

08 | COUNTRY NAME

The country name in
many languages

Discover the name of this country in other languages. The name is sorted by country name and languages spoken (in alphabetical order) and can be accessed by clicking on the quick links below. If you want to learn more about any given country, please click on the flag or the country name, which will open the required content in a new window



A  
Afghanistan Flag
- (dari) | سویلي افریقا (pashto)
Albania Flag
afrika e jugut (albanian)
Algeria Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic) | afrique du sud (french)
American Samoa Flag
afelika i saute (samoan)
Andorra Flag
sud-àfrica (catalan)
Angola Flag
áfrica do sul (portuguese)
Anguilla Flag
south africa (english)
Antigua and Barbuda Flag
south africa (english)
Argentina Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Armenia Flag
հարավային աֆրիկա (armenian)
Australia Flag
south africa (english)
Austria Flag
südafrika (german)
Azerbaijan Flag
cənubi afrika (azerbaijani)


B  
Bahamas, The Flag
south africa (english)
Bahrain Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Bangladesh Flag
দক্ষিন আফ্রিকা (bengali)
Barbados Flag
south africa (english)
Belarus Flag
паўднёвая афрыка (belarusian) | южная африка [yuzhnaya afrika] (russian)
Belgium Flag
zuid-afrika (dutch) | afrique du sud (french) | südafrika (german)
Belize Flag
south africa (english) | sudáfrica (spanish)
Benin Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Bermuda Flag
south africa (english)
Bhutan Flag
- (dzongkha)
Bolivia Flag
sudáfrica (spanish) | - (aymara) | - (quechua)
Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag
južna afrika (bosnian) | južna afrika (croatian) | јужна африка [juzhna afrika] (serbian)
Botswana Flag
south africa (english) | - (tswana)
Brazil Flag
áfrica do sul (portuguese)
British Virgin Islands Flag
south africa (english)
Brunei Darussalam Flag
afrika selatan (malay) | south africa (english)
Bulgaria Flag
южна африка (bulgarian)
Burkina Faso Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Burundi Flag
afrique du sud (french) | - (kirundi)


C  
Cambodia Flag
អា​ព្រិច​ខាងត្បូង (khmer)
Cameroon Flag
south africa (english) | afrique du sud (french)
Canada Flag
south africa (english) | afrique du sud (french)
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) Flag
áfrica do sul (portuguese)
Caribbean Netherlands Flag
zuid-afrika (dutch) | south africa (english) | - (papiamentu)
Cayman Islands Flag
south africa (english)
Central African Republic Flag
- (sango) | afrique du sud (french)
Chad Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic) | afrique du sud (french)
Channel Islands Flag
south africa (english) | afrique du sud (french)
Chile Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
China Flag
南非 [nánfēi] (mandarin)
Colombia Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Comoros Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic) | - (comorian) | afrique du sud (french)
Congo, D.Rep Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Congo, Rep Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Cook Islands Flag
south africa (english) | awherika ki te tonga (māori)
Costa Rica Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Croatia Flag
južna afrika (croatian)
Cuba Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Cyprus Flag
νότια αφρική [nótia afrikí] (greek) | güney afrika (turkish)
Czech Republic (Czechia) Flag
jižní afrika (czech)


D E F  
Denmark Flag
sydafrika (danish)
Djibouti Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic) | afrique du sud (french)
Dominica Flag
south africa (english)
Dominican Republic Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
East Timor (Timor-Leste) Flag
áfrica do sul (portuguese) | - (tetum)
Ecuador Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Egypt Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
El Salvador Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Equatorial Guinea Flag
sudáfrica (spanish) | afrique du sud (french)
Eritrea Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic) | ደቡብ ኣፍሪቃ (tigrinya) | - (tigre) | south africa (english)
Estonia Flag
lõuna-aafrika (estonian)
Ethiopia Flag
ደቡብ አፍሪካ (amharic)
Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas) Flag
south africa (english)
Fiji Flag
- (fijian) | - (hindustani) | south africa (english)
Finland Flag
etelä-afrikka (finnish) | sydafrika (swedish)
France Flag
afrique du sud (french)
French Guiana Flag
afrique du sud (french) | afrique du sud (french guianese creole)
French Polynesia Flag
afrique du sud (french)


G  
Gabon Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Gambia, The Flag
south africa (english)
Georgia Flag
- (abkhaz) | სამხრეთ აფრიკა (georgian) | - (ossetic)
Germany Flag
südafrika (german)
Ghana Flag
south africa (english)
Gibraltar Flag
south africa (english)
Greece Flag
νότια αφρική [nótia afrikí] (greek)
Greenland Flag
- (kalaallisut) | sydafrika (danish)
Grenada Flag
south africa (english)
Guadeloupe Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Guam Flag
south africa (english) | - (chamorro)
Guatemala Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Guinea Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Guinea-Bissau Flag
áfrica do sul (portuguese)
Guyana Flag
south africa (english)


H I J  
Haiti Flag
afrique du sud (french) | afrik di sid (haitian creole)
Honduras Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Hong Kong Flag
南非 [nánfēi] (cantonese) | south africa (english)
Hungary Flag
dél-afrika (hungarian)
Iceland Flag
suður-afríka (icelandic)
India Flag
दक्षिण अफ्रीका (hindi) | south africa (english)
Indonesia Flag
afrika selatan (indonesian)
Iran, Islamic Republic of Flag
آفریقای جنوبی (persian)
Iraq Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Ireland Flag
an afraic theas (irish (gaelic)) | south africa (english)
Isle of Man Flag
south africa (english)
Israel Flag
דרום אפריקה (hebrew)
Italy Flag
sud africa (italian)
Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Jamaica Flag
south africa (english)
Japan Flag
南アフリカ (japanese)
Jordan Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)


K L  
Kazakhstan Flag
оңтүстік африка (kazakh)
Kenya Flag
africa kusini (swahili) | south africa (english)
Kiribati Flag
- (gilbertese) | south africa (english)
Korea, North (D.Rep) Flag
남아프리카 [nam-apeulika] (korean)
Korea, South (Rep) Flag
남아프리카 [nam-apeulika] (korean)
Kosovo, Republic of Flag
afrika e jugut (albanian) | јужна африка [juzhna afrika] (serbian)
Kuwait Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Kyrgyzstan Flag
түштүк африка (kirghiz)
Laos Flag
ອາຟຣິກາໃຕ້ (lao)
Latvia Flag
dienvidāfrika (latvian)
Lebanon Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Lesotho Flag
south africa (sesotho) | south africa (english)
Liberia Flag
south africa (english)
Libya Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Liechtenstein Flag
südafrika (german)
Lithuania Flag
pietų afrika (lithuanian)
Luxembourg Flag
südafrika (luxembourgish) | afrique du sud (french) | südafrika (german)


M  
Macau Flag
南非 [nánfēi] (cantonese) | áfrica do sul (portuguese)
Madagascar Flag
afrika atsimo (malagasy) | afrique du sud (french)
Malawi Flag
south africa (chichewa) | south africa (english)
Malaysia Flag
afrika selatan (malay)
Maldives Flag
- (dhivehi)
Mali Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Malta Flag
l-afrika t'isfel (maltese) | south africa (english)
Marshall Islands Flag
- (marshallese) | south africa (english)
Martinique Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Mauritania Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Mauritius Flag
afrique du sud (french) | south africa (english)
Mayotte Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Mexico Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Micronesia, F.S Flag
south africa (english) | - (chuukese) | - (kosraean) | - (pohnpeian) | - (yapese)
Moldova Flag
africa de sud (moldovan)
Monaco Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Mongolia Flag
өмнөд африк (mongolian)
Montenegro Flag
јужна африка [juzhna afrika] (montenegrin)
Morocco Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Mozambique Flag
áfrica do sul (portuguese)
Myanmar Flag
တောင်အာဖရိက (burmese)


N  
Namibia Flag
south africa (english)
Nauru Flag
- (nauruan) | south africa (english)
Nepal Flag
दक्षिण अफ्रिका (nepali)
Netherlands Flag
zuid-afrika (dutch)
Netherlands Antilles Flag
south africa (english)
New Caledonia Flag
afrique du sud (french)
New Zealand Flag
south africa (english) | awherika ki te tonga (māori)
Nicaragua Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Niger Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Nigeria Flag
south africa (english)
Niue Flag
- (niuean) | south africa (english)
North Macedonia Flag
јужна африка (macedonian)
Northern Mariana Islands Flag
south africa (english) | - (chamorro) | - (carolinian)
Norway Flag
sør-afrika (norwegian)


O P Q  
Oman Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Pakistan Flag
جنوبی افریقہ (urdu)
Palau Flag
- (palauan) | south africa (english)
Palestine, State of Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Panama Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Papua New Guinea Flag
south africa (english)
Paraguay Flag
sudáfrica (spanish) | દક્ષિણ આફ્રિકા (guaraní)
Peru Flag
sudáfrica (spanish) | - (quechua)
Philippines Flag
timog africa (filipino)
Pitcairn Islands Flag
- (pitkern) | south africa (english)
Poland Flag
afryka południowa (polish)
Portugal Flag
áfrica do sul (portuguese)
Puerto Rico Flag
sudáfrica (spanish) | south africa (english)
Qatar Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)


R S  
Reunion Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Romania Flag
africa de sud (romanian)
Russia Flag
южная африка [yuzhnaya afrika] (russian)
Rwanda Flag
afurika y'epfo (kinyarwanda) | south africa (english) | afrique du sud (french)
Saint Barthelemy (Barts) Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Saint Helena Flag
south africa (english)
Saint Kitts and Nevis Flag
south africa (english)
Saint Lucia Flag
south africa (english)
Saint Martin (Dutch) Flag
zuid-afrika (dutch) | south africa (english)
Saint Martin (French) Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Flag
south africa (english)
Samoa Flag
afelika i saute (samoan) | south africa (english)
San Marino Flag
sud africa (italian)
Sao Tome and Principe Flag
áfrica do sul (portuguese)
Saudi Arabia Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Senegal Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Serbia Flag
јужна африка [juzhna afrika] (serbian)
Seychelles Flag
- (seychellois creole) | south africa (english) | afrique du sud (french)
Sierra Leone Flag
south africa (english)
Singapore Flag
南非 [nánfēi] (mandarin) | south africa (english) | afrika selatan (malay) | தென் ஆப்ரிக்கா (tamil)
Slovakia Flag
južná afrika (slovak)
Slovenia Flag
južna afrika (slovene)
Solomon Islands Flag
south africa (english)
Somalia Flag
koonfur afrika (somali) | جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
South Africa Flag
suid-afrika (afrikaans) | south africa (english) | - (southern ndebele) | south africa (sesotho) | iningizimu afrika (zulu) | - (northern sotho) | - (tswana) | - (swazi) | - (venda) | - (tsonga)
South Sudan Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Spain Flag
sudáfrica (spanish) | sud-àfrica (catalan) | áfrica do sur (galician)
Sri Lanka Flag
දකුණු අප්රිකාව (sinhalese) | தென் ஆப்ரிக்கா (tamil) | south africa (english)
Sudan Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Suriname Flag
zuid-afrika (dutch)
Swaziland (Eswatini) Flag
- (swazi) | south africa (english)
Sweden Flag
sydafrika (swedish)
Switzerland Flag
südafrika (german) | afrique du sud (french) | sud africa (italian) | sud africa (romansh)
Syria Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic) | afrique du sud (french) | south africa (english)


T  
Taiwan Flag
南非 [nánfēi] (mandarin)
Tajikistan Flag
африқои ҷанубӣ (tajik)
Tanzania Flag
africa kusini (swahili) | south africa (english)
Thailand Flag
แอฟริกาใต้ (thai)
Togo Flag
afrique du sud (french)
Tokelau Flag
- (tokelauan)
Tonga Flag
- (tongan) | south africa (english)
Trinidad and Tobago Flag
south africa (english)
Tunisia Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic) | afrique du sud (french)
Turkey (Turkiye) Flag
güney afrika (turkish)
Turkmenistan Flag
günorta afrika (turkmen)
Turks and Caicos Islands Flag
south africa (english)
Tuvalu Flag
- (tuvaluan) | south africa (english)


U V W X Y Z  
Uganda Flag
south africa (english)
Ukraine Flag
південна африка [pivdenna afryka] (ukrainian)
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
United Kingdom (UK) Flag
south africa (english)
United States of America (USA) Flag
south africa (english)
Uruguay Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
US Virgin Islands Flag
south africa (english)
Uzbekistan Flag
janubiy afrika (uzbek)
Vanuatu Flag
south africa (english) | afrique du sud (french)
Vatican City (Holy See) Flag
africa australis (latin) | sud africa (italian)
Venezuela Flag
sudáfrica (spanish)
Vietnam Flag
nam phi (vietnamese)
Wallis and Futuna Flag
afrique du sud (french) | - (wallisian) | - (futunan)
Yemen Flag
جنوب أفريقيا [janub 'afriqia] (arabic)
Zambia Flag
south africa (english)
Zimbabwe Flag
south africa (english) | chamhembe afrika (shona) | - (northern ndebele)

09| LGBTQIA+ REFUGEE TOOLS

All those people fleeing
bombs, bullets and tyrants
Typically, becoming a refugee is not a choice; instead, it happens. Events or circumstances result in people leaving their homes, regions or countries fleeing for their lives. Wars, violence or persecution are the cause in most cases. When people are forced to flee, they often travel to safer countries to seek asylum.

Refugees

| OVERVIEW

Many countries worldwide have improved the rights and protections of community members; however, with over 60 countries still criminalising same-sex relationships, many are still in danger. Furthermore, over ten countries still hand down a death sentence as a maximum penalty if prosecuted, meaning LGBTQIA+ people today face persecution and substantial personal risks to their lives.

For the millions of LGBTQIA+ individuals living in hostile countries, accepting their sexuality or gender identity can see them become a target and create considerable risks to their personal safety and lives. Leaving their homes, family, and all they have ever known, travelling to a new, safer country for many is the only option. Making a decision based on religious or sexual beliefs is a significant step for many. They are constantly aware that deciding to seek asylum based on these grounds could mean they will likely never return home.
Discover all of the refugee and migrant resources on Gayther
Understand more about refugees and migrants, definitions and meanings
Learn more about what it means to be an LGBTQIA+ refugee or migrant

Refugee

| MEANING

The term refugee describes a person or group of individuals forced to leave their home due to war, violence or persecution. Refugees will have crossed one or more international borders to find safety in another country, and returning home would likely endanger their lives. Members of the United Nations, also known as the UN, defined the terms and treatments related to refugees. However, the word has had a specific meaning over the past thirty years. It has been used to describe anyone looking to start a life in a new country that is safe or has a more robust economy.

A significant development occurred in 2012 when the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees amended the guidelines to allow those seeking asylum to do so on the grounds of persecution due to a person’s gender or sexual orientation. However, the challenge for many seeking asylum on those grounds is proving it to officials or assessors.
A tool displays the local name of a country in local languages with links to Gayther resources
A tool for any refugee or those in a position to assist in communicating and explaining their situation
Access the directory and discover all of the charities, organisations and groups
Discover more on Gayther
LGBTQIA+ REFUGEES
To learn more about all things relating to LGBTQIA+ refugees, we have created links to relevant tools, services, and guides.
Gayther Resources - Refugees

Search

| SPECIALIST DIRECTORIES

The big directory comprises fourteen groups and over one thousand categories, from travel accommodation to home maintenance

There are thousands of events taking place, it is not always easy to know what is going on and when, Gayther can help

The Care Providers and Services directory lists businesses and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all

There are millions of non-profit organisations, advice services, and support groups worldwide, all designed to help you

The term refugee describes a person or group of individuals forced to leave their home due to war, violence or persecution

10 | DISCOVER MORE

When we explore, we learn; the more we know, the greater our
understanding of the world
Gayther is a positive platform for everyone. One that empowers people to understand more about the LGBTQIA+ community by dispelling misinformation, to showcase all aspects of the exceptional and diverse global community and all that it contributes to the world
Learn more about Gayther; it’s history, values and mission
Discover Gayther Care, a site dedicated to community support and care
Discover all about the LGBTQIA+ community from the many resources available
Planning a trip? Gayther provides extensive country guides for every country across the globe
Find the information you need quickly with the wide range of guides available on Gayther
Be inspired and have some fun, with a wide range of articles, personality tests, quizzes and crosswords on offer
Never miss a story, offer or event again. By subscribing to Gayther, you will receive the latest news, articles, upcoming events, and so much more straight to your mailbox
Discover more about sexuality, from the various identities to inspiring content and information
Discover more about the unique and diverse gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ community
Discover more about the special groups and the people and organisations supporting and helping the LGBTQIA+ community
Not sure what you are looking for? There are many ways to find what you need quickly; the search section provides links to the many search services
Impress your friends with key facts and keep updated on the latest developments and trends within the community
Discover Gayther Trinary, three unique services focused on the different aspects and requirements of the LGBTQIA+ community
Discover more on Gayther
MORE
To learn more about all things relating to Gayther, we have created links to relevant tools, services and guides
Gayther Guides - Discover
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information displayed on this page is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is essential that before travelling that you independently establish information relating specifically to your requirements and circumstances. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site updated, we do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of any information displayed. The languages and terms featured on this page are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The service is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk. This page may contain external links to third party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies. If you believe any of the information contained within this page is incorrect, please report this guide using the option found on this page or by clicking here