The United Nations has noted with “great concern” the ongoing incidents of violence, intimidation and harassment against foreign nationals in South Africa, acting UN Resident Coordinator Ayodele Odusola said on Tuesday.
Odusola expressed the concern following violent attacks on foreign nationals after a Zimbabwean, Elvis Nyathi, was killed in Johannesburg’s Diepsloot township last week.
“It is deeply worrisome and unfortunate that this is happening in a country with one of the most inclusive Constitutions globally,” Odusola said.
He added: “Over the recent past, we have noted with deep concern as movements such as Operation Dudula (a vigilante group) are illegally forcing people [ who are] suspected of being undocumented foreign nationals to show their papers.”
According to the UN official, the South African government has ratified several international human rights and refugee instruments that were an integral part of national law.
“This requires that the human rights of all persons residing in South Africa, regardless of their nationality or immigration status, be respected at all times,” the UN diplomat said, adding that this included individuals who might be “refugees, asylum seekers or stateless persons.”
According to him, “the UN stands by the recent statements by government representatives, opposing actions by the violent protesters and urging people not to take the law into their own hands.”
NM/jn/APA