The Fruit Basket

28/07/2026

🌍 The 75th Anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention 🌍

As the international community marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, we recognise its enduring contribution to international refugee protection and reaffirm one of its most fundamental principles that no person should be returned to a place where their life or freedom is under threat. Q***r people face particular persecution and lack of safety in many countries on the African continent.

Across the region, protection challenges are becoming increasingly interconnected. Limited services in countries of transit, restrictive asylum practices and evolving migration policies place additional pressure on people already fleeing persecution. These realities underscore the importance of strengthening regional protection pathways rather than relying exclusively on destination countries to absorb responsibility.

Displacement rarely ends at the border. It continues through unsafe migration routes, prolonged documentation processes, insecure accommodation, interrupted healthcare, arbitrary detention, economic exclusion and persistent uncertainty while people seek protection.

In response, regional collaboration is becoming an essential protection strategy. This year, TFB is supporting the establishment a Regional Safe Passage Network has been established across Southern and Eastern Africa, bringing together trans-led organisations, refugee-led organisations and health partners to strengthen referral pathways for LGBTQI+ people fleeing persecution while navigating service provision in country of transit.

***rAfricanMigrantIsSafe

27/07/2026

Nali’Themba: From Hope To Change 🏳️‍🌈✨

From July 2025 to June 2026, The Fruit Basket held five community‑led workshops under the Nali’Themba Project. These workshops looked at problems in gender‑affirming healthcare, human rights violations, and violence based on gender and s*xual orientation affecting transgender, LGBTQIA+, and migrant communities.

The Nali’Themba Project works across five provinces in South Africa. It focuses on monitoring and recording human rights violations against transgender and gender‑diverse people, as well as LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees. The project also gives emergency support, which has been a lifeline for many displaced q***r people facing challenges with housing, safety, and livelihoods.

In the workshops, participants came together to point out the main challenges and their causes, suggest practical solutions based on real experiences, identify which stakeholders should take responsibility for change.

At the end, everyone reviewed the findings and agreed on a pilot action to tackle intersectional discrimination and documentation barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ migrants, refugees, and economically marginalised people.

This achievement shows the strength of community‑led advocacy. It was made possible by the dedication of participants and partner organisations who are committed to dignity, inclusion, and equal access to rights and services. Together, we are building stronger paths toward justice and resilience

🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

25/07/2026

Across our communities, too many Black women and girls continue to face gender-based violence, discrimination and exclusion.

We must also recognise that violence against Black trans women and girls is a form gender-based violence and demands the same urgency, protection and accountability.

Building a just society requires us to challenge these injustices wherever they occur and to stand firmly for the dignity and human rights of every woman and girl.

On this day, we call on individuals, communities and institutions to uphold the rights, safety and freedom of Black women and girls. Protect their lives. Amplify their voices. Reject violence in all its forms, and work together to create a future where every Black woman and girl can live free from fear and with equal opportunity to thrive.

♀️♀️ 🏳️‍⚧️
It’s International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent!

24/07/2026

Caring for ourselves is not a luxury, it is essential ✨💅🏽🌈

For LGBTQIA+ migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, self-care is often an act of resilience in the face of exclusion, displacement and discrimination.

Self-care can mean seeking community, resting without guilt, accessing affirming healthcare, setting boundaries, or simply allowing yourself moments of peace. These everyday acts help sustain the strength needed to navigate systems that too often fail to protect the dignity and rights of those on the margins.

Today, and every day, we affirm that everyone deserves the safety, care and support needed to thrive. May we continue building communities where self-preservation is met with solidarity, compassion and justice.

❤️

21/07/2026

Today we celebrate young people’s empowerment and health!

We look back at an invigorating brainstorming session with youth ambassadors from ; and . During our session in May, we discussed some of the experiences and norms surrounding LGBTQI+ and women’s s*xual health.

As we continue to embrace empowerement through education and dialogue we reiterate that S*X WORK IS WORK, and extend an arm of support to all s*x workers, women, and LGBTQI+ migrants whose s*xual healthcare is a fundamental part of their overall health and the realisation of their human rights.

*xualhealth *xed *xeduction

18/07/2026

Today, on Mandela Day, we honour the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela by remembering that human rights belong to everyone, without exception.

This day is a call us to defend the dignity, equality and freedom of every person. ✊🏾

In a time of growing anti-migrant and anti-q***r sentiment, we reaffirm that migrants, asylum seekers and refugees deserve safety, protection and equal treatment under the law.

South Africa's Constitution and international human rights commitments require that every person be treated with dignity, regardless of where they come from or how they identify.

This Mandela Day, we call on all South African officials and institutions to honour Mandela's legacy by upholding the rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, ensuring fair access to protection, documentation and justice. Protecting human rights is not only a constitutional obligation: it is how we preserve our shared humanity.

🌈

14/07/2026

It's International Non-Binary People’s Day 💛🤍💜🖤

The non-binary pride flag is more than just a combination of colours; it is a declaration of existence, a rallying cry for acceptance, and a celebration of the rich tapestry of gender identities.

For many non-binary migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, living authentically is often made more difficult by discrimination based on both their gender identity and migration status.

Safeguarding the lives and liberties of LGBTQIA+ people means ensuring they can access safety, dignity, healthcare, justice, and protection without fear of violence, persecution, or exclusion.

This International Non-Binary People's Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a South Africa where everyone—regardless of gender identity, nationality, or immigration status—can live freely and safely.

08/07/2026

07/07/2026

⚖ A Landmark Judgment ⚖

Today the Consitutional Court reaffirms that the right to seek asylum cannot be denied simply because a person lacks documentation or did not report to a Refugee Reception Office within the prescribed timeframe of 5 days upon arriving into South Africa.

At a time when anti-migrant violence, afro- and xenophobia, and misinformation continue to threaten the safety and dignity of displaced people, this judgment serves as a powerful reminder that South Africa's Constitution protects the rights of everyone within its borders and affirms the country's commitments under international refugee and human rights laws.

Seeking safety is not a crime. Human dignity is not conditional on documentation. Justice requires that those fleeing persecution, conflict, and violence are given a fair opportunity to be heard.

Let this judgment remind us that the rule of law must prevail over fear, prejudice, and discrimination.

30/06/2026

🗣️We never want to wait for a crisis to become a catastrophe before we act 🗣️

Across South Africa, many q***r and trans people are facing growing uncertainty. Some have already lost their livelihoods, while others are living with increasing fear about what the future may hold. For many LGBTQIA+ refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, there are few safety nets to rely on if the situation deteriorates.

This fundraiser is about preparedness.

Your donation will help us respond quickly to emergencies by providing:

- Emergency financial assistance
- Safe accommodation and relocation support when needed
- Food and other basic necessities
- Transportation to safety
- Mental health and psychosocial support
- Essential documentation and protection related assistance

We hope these funds will not have to be used at full capacity, but experience has taught us that waiting until people are already in danger costs lives and limits our ability to respond effectively.

As the founder of The Fruit Basket, shares this appeal from outside South Africa, where he is currently in a safer location. We have made the difficult decision not to feature the faces of people still on the ground because their safety must always come first.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us prepare, respond, and protect lives. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign with your family, friends, and networks.

Thank you for standing in solidarity with the q***r and trans refugee community in South Africa. Together, we can ensure that when help is needed, it is already within reach.

To donate, find the link in bio ❤️