UN Raises Alarm Over Renewed Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Calls for Urgent Action
UN Raises Alarm Over Renewed Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Calls for Urgent Action
The global body warned that the incidents, which reportedly involve harassment, intimidation, and physical assaults against migrants, pose a serious threat to social cohesion and democratic stability in the country.
According to the UN, the attacks have been recorded in areas including KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Province, where foreign nationals have allegedly been targeted over their immigration status and nationality.
The UN strongly condemned all forms of violence, stressing that vigilantism, hate-driven actions, and mob justice have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
It further called on South African authorities to ensure swift investigations, accountability for perpetrators, and strengthened protection for migrants and foreign residents.
The organisation also urged community leaders and civil society groups to play active roles in preventing further escalation and promoting peaceful coexistence among residents of different nationalities.
While acknowledging the country’s socio-economic challenges, the UN emphasized that such difficulties cannot justify discrimination, violence, or unlawful acts against any group.
The statement reaffirmed the importance of upholding human rights, dignity, and equality for all individuals, regardless of origin, and called for long-term strategies to address the root causes of xenophobia.
