JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — United Nations officials have issued a stark warning regarding the rise of xenophobia in South Africa, urging authorities to place human rights at the center of their response to the violence targeting migrants and refugees.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the escalating hostility in a strongly worded social media post, calling for immediate calm. He described the nation’s turn toward intolerance as a tragic betrayal of its historic struggle for independence and freedom. Specifically, he highlighted the profound betrayal of the solidarity that African nations demonstrated during the anti-apartheid movement, urging the country to honor that legacy.
Ravina Shamdasani, chief spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office speaking from Geneva, echoed these concerns, noting that the UN is deeply troubled by the surge in violence and hate speech. She reported that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recently informed the Human Rights Council in Geneva that deep-rooted poverty and inequalities are the primary drivers of the social tensions and attacks on foreign nationals. Shamdasani expressed trust that the government will make good on its pledge to put human rights at the heart of its crisis response.
The UN Human Rights Office maintains a local branch in the country to document the situation, raise concerns, and support the government. Shamdasani noted that the office recently undertook a mission to KwaZulu-Natal province to assist with the response. She added that various UN mechanisms have previously advised the government on managing hate speech and addressing the underlying socioeconomic drivers of the unrest, such as employment, education, and access to basic resources.
Addressing the status of those being repatriated, Shamdasani emphasized that being undocumented does not strip individuals of their basic dignity. She stressed that the state remains responsible for ensuring the protection, basic rights, and access to justice for all people within its jurisdiction, regardless of their legal status. She also acknowledged the genuine concerns of local communities facing difficult economic conditions, noting these systemic issues must be addressed.
The spokesperson highlighted a complex predicament in Durban, where approximately 400 individuals were stranded outside a Home Affairs office. While only about three were found to have an irregular status, the rest were in the country legally but were unable to return to their communities due to violent threats. Despite this, government ministers have stated they will not build refugee camps or centers, arguing it would imply state responsibility. Shamdasani noted this is a global challenge—drawing parallels to similar migration and workforce issues in Europe—and reiterated that international refugee law prohibits returning anyone to a place where they face persecution or violence.
To manage the influx of economic migrants from neighboring nations, Shamdasani advocated for the creation of regular and safe pathways for migration to prevent irregular travel. She stressed the need for vocal leadership to push back against hate speech, vigilantism, and incitement to hatred, emphasizing that building social cohesion is vital for the nation.
Finally, addressing the looming June 30 deadline set by groups leading anti-illegal immigration marches—who have suggested they cannot guarantee the safety or status of individuals after that date—Shamdasani issued a direct plea. She urged all parties to reject violence and vigilantism, calling such actions contrary to both national and international law, as well as common humanity. She called on authorities to redouble their efforts to protect threatened communities and promote public messages of coexistence.
