From UN to South Africa: Xenophobic attacks have no place in democracy, just end anti-migrant violence now – THISAGE

By Ayo Kehinde

“Xenophobic attacks have no place in democracy,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday, urging South Africa to immediately end the increase in violence, intimidation and hate-driven attacks against foreign citizens and migrants in some parts of the country.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, the UN chief expressed deep concern over recent incidents of violence, vigilantism and incitement against migrants in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape province.

Guterres said the growing hostility towards foreign nationals was disturbing, especially given South Africa’s historic reliance on support from African countries and the wider international community during the fight against apartheid.

“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of hate speech have no place in a democratic and inclusive society,” the UN Secretary-General said, calling on authorities to take urgent measures to stop attacks and protect vulnerable communities.

The UN chief stressed that South Africa’s liberation from apartheid was achieved through solidarity from across Africa and beyond, stressing that several countries on the continent gave refuge to South African freedom fighters and supported the campaign against racial segregation and oppression.

According to him, xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans contradict the principles of unity, equality and human dignity that have shaped the country’s democratic transition.

The statement comes amid renewed concerns about anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa, where migrants and businesses owned by foreign nationals have repeatedly faced violence, looting, harassment and displacement during times of economic hardship and rising unemployment.

Foreign nationals from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have, over the years, been the victims of repeated mob attacks and intimidation in several South African communities.

Guterres acknowledged the serious socioeconomic challenges facing South Africa, including poverty, inequality and unemployment, but cautioned against blaming migrants for the country’s economic difficulties.

He noted that South Africa’s development and economy have historically benefited from the contributions of migrants and workers from different African countries.

The UN Secretary-General also welcomed the South African Government’s commitment to implement the National Plan of Action against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, describing the initiative as an important framework for promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

It also called for all investigations into recent attacks against foreign nationals to be conducted promptly, independently and impartially, insisting that perpetrators of violence and hate crimes must be brought to justice.

According to Guterres, accountability and the rule of law are key to preventing further attacks and rebuilding trust among affected migrant communities.

The UN chief extended messages of goodwill to South Africans as the country marked Freedom Day, observed annually on April 27 to commemorate the first democratic elections held in 1994 after the collapse of apartheid. The historic election ushered in democratic government and led to the emergence of anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, as South Africa’s first black president.