Surge in Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa Raises Alarm
South Africa: New Waves of Xenophobic Attacks
Image: Human Rights Watch
Recent weeks have seen a rise in violent xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly targeting African and Asian communities. Human Rights Watch highlights the insufficient response from authorities and calls for accountability against vigilante groups like March and March, which scapegoat immigrants amid rising unemployment and socioeconomic issues.
- 01Vigilante groups, including March and March, have organized violent protests against undocumented migrants in major South African cities, resulting in injuries and fear among foreign nationals.
- 02The South Gauteng High Court issued an injunction against Operation Dudula, preventing its members from obstructing migrants' access to healthcare facilities.
- 03A 43-year-old Cameroonian shop owner in Durban reported being attacked by vigilantes, highlighting the lack of police protection for foreign nationals.
- 04The United Nations Secretary-General and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have expressed concerns over the violence and discrimination faced by foreign nationals in South Africa.
- 05South Africa's Constitution guarantees rights to all individuals, including non-citizens, yet vigilante violence persists, with calls for the government to ensure accountability and protection for migrants.
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In South Africa, recent vigilantism has led to violent xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, particularly those from Africa and Asia, with minimal intervention from law enforcement. The citizen-led movement, March and March, has organized protests against undocumented migrants, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that while the right to protest is constitutionally protected, it does not extend to violence. The resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiments has coincided with a staggering 43% unemployment rate, prompting scapegoating of foreign nationals for the country’s socioeconomic challenges. Reports from victims, including a Cameroonian shop owner in Durban, reveal brutal assaults by vigilantes, often without police protection. International bodies, including the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, have condemned the violence and called for accountability. In December 2023, a committee urged South Africa to combat vigilante groups and ensure justice for victims of xenophobia. Activists stress the need for the government to address underlying issues and protect vulnerable communities, as the country grapples with the legacy of apartheid and ongoing economic hardship.
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The rise in xenophobic violence creates a climate of fear among foreign nationals, affecting their access to essential services and safety.
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