Nigerian and South African lawmakers have exchanged words during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference in Malawi over the use of the term “illegal immigrants.”
The disagreement reportedly arose after South Africa’s delegation pushed for the use of “illegal immigrants” in discussions on migration.
The CPA conference brings together parliamentarians from Commonwealth countries to discuss issues of common interest.
Nigerian lawmakers, alongside Members of Parliament from other countries, opposed the proposed wording.
They argued that the language could be considered inappropriate or demeaning when referring to migrants.
The exchange further spotlights differences among Commonwealth lawmakers over migration, terminology and the treatment of migrants.
