Foundation for Human Rights Statement on Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, April 22, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Government of South Africa must realize its constitutional mandate to promote and protect the rights of all people living in South Africa and to uphold their dignity, regardless of their legal status. We therefore urgently call upon government, leadership and other key stakeholders including business to commit itself to a sustainable programme of action to combat xenophobia. Practical measures should include ending the violence and the displacement, establishing a rapid response mechanism as well as early warning signals. We commend the courageous individuals and communities who have stepped forward to stop the violence and create safe spaces. It is our collective responsibility to take proactive action to put in place practical measures for government to take action against those who violate the rights of others. Impunity must not be allowed to prevail.
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We call for an immediate end to the senseless violence which has led to a loss of life and injuries to the vulnerable. We call upon the government to end the impunity which makes the violence possible and all stakeholders to take action to combat xenophobia and to promote a safe South Africa.
Endorsed by the following CSOs:
• University of Witwatersrand Law Clinic (Wits Law Clinic)
• KwaZulu Natal Refugees Council (KZNRC)
• Diakonia Council of Churches
• Africa Diaspora Forum (ADF)
• Legal Resources Centre (LRC)
• Project for Conflict Resolution and Development (PCRD)
• Human Rights Media Centre (HRMC)
• Africa Awake
• Congo Heart of Africa (CHA)
• African Coalition for Refugees (ACORE)
• Isizwe SamaNdebele
• Global Zimbabwe Forum (GZF)
• Voice of the Voiceless (VOV)
• Peace and Democracy Project
• Anti- Xenophobia Action South Africa (aXaSA)
• Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (Regional Office)
• Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme (TVEP)
• Christian for Peace in Africa (CPA)
• Action Support Centre (ASC)
• Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR)
• Centre for Education Rights and Transformation (CERT)
• Adonis Musati Project
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR).
The Foundation for Human Rights (the Foundation) (http://www.fhr.org.za) is a grant making institution supporting civil society organisations in South Africa, and the region, to implement programmes which promote and protect human rights. The Foundation's mission is to address the historical legacy of apartheid, to promote and advance transformation in the country and to build a human rights culture using the Constitution as a tool.