The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged South Africa to end xenophobic attacks and the intimidation of foreign nationals in the country.
Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern over the situation and strongly condemned criminal acts and incitement to violence against migrants in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province.
He reminded the international community that South Africa’s struggle against apartheid was built on a foundation of global and African solidarity.
“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” he said.
The UN chief noted that South Africa’s development has long been shaped by the contributions of people from across the continent.
He acknowledged the country’s complex socio-economic challenges and welcomed the government’s commitment to the National Action Plan against Racism and Xenophobia.
The Secretary-General urged that all investigations into recent violence against foreign nationals be prompt, independent and impartial.