25 May 2026

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, expresses grave concern over recent reports of xenophobic violence, intimidation, harassment, and vigilante conduct targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, including refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and other non-nationals.

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The Centre is particularly alarmed by recent developments in Durban, where scores of foreign nationals, including women and children, have reportedly sought refuge at the Diakonia Centre after fleeing threats, intimidation, and violence in their communities. Reports that vulnerable individuals have been forced to seek temporary shelter while fearing for their safety raise serious concerns about their dignity, security, and access to effective state protection. No person should be forced to flee their home or seek refuge out of fear because of their nationality, language, or perceived immigration status.

South Africa’s constitutional democracy is founded on the values of human dignity, equality, freedom, and the rule of law. Acts of violence, threats, intimidation, and harassment directed at individuals on the basis of nationality, language, appearance, or perceived immigration status are a direct assault on these values and undermine the constitutional and human rights framework that South Africa has committed itself to uphold.

While concerns around governance, service delivery, unemployment, crime, and immigration policy may form part of public debate, these challenges can never justify violence, vigilantism, collective punishment, or the unlawful targeting of foreign nationals. The enforcement of immigration laws remains the responsibility of lawful state institutions acting within the bounds of the Constitution and the law. No individual or group may assume these powers through intimidation, violence, or mob action.

The Centre is deeply concerned by reports that vigilante formations and other actors have engaged in acts of harassment and violence against foreign nationals, often with devastating consequences for vulnerable individuals and communities. Such actions not only place lives at risk, but also deepen fear, division, and instability in communities already facing significant social and economic pressures.

These developments are especially troubling because they form part of a longstanding pattern of xenophobic violence and intimidation in South Africa. Over the years, repeated attacks against foreign nationals, refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants have resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement, and deep social trauma. The recurrence of such incidents underscores the urgent need for sustained and effective measures to address xenophobia, protect vulnerable communities, and uphold the rule of law.

The Centre reminds the South African government that all persons within its territory, regardless of nationality or immigration status, are entitled to the protection of their fundamental rights, including the rights to life, dignity, equality, security of the person, and freedom from violence and discrimination. These protections are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other international human rights instruments binding on South Africa.

The Centre therefore calls on South African authorities to:

1. Take immediate and effective measures to prevent further violence, harassment, and intimidation against foreign nationals;
2. Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into all reported incidents and ensure accountability for those responsible;
3. Take decisive action against vigilante groups or individuals engaging in unlawful enforcement activities;
4. Ensure that law enforcement agencies act impartially, lawfully, and in full compliance with human rights standards;
5. Provide immediate protection and humanitarian support to those displaced or forced to seek refuge, including those currently sheltering in Durban; and
6. Strengthen public education and community-based initiatives aimed at combating xenophobia, misinformation, and hate-based violence.

The Centre further calls on political leaders, community formations, civil society organisations, faith leaders, and the public to reject xenophobia and reaffirm the values of solidarity, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.

Xenophobia has no place in a democratic society. Violence and intimidation against foreign nationals do not solve social challenges; they undermine the rule of law and threaten the rights and safety of all who live in South Africa.

South Africa must respond to social tensions not with fear, scapegoating, or violence, but with justice, accountability, and a renewed commitment to human dignity for all.

For more information, please contact:

Ms Molya Vundamina
Project officer: Migrants’ Rights Unit
Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3810
Molya.vundamina@up.co.za 

Ms Mansah Amoah
Project officer: Migrants’ Rights Unit
Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3810
mansah.amoah@up.ac.za