LunagisthubUN Chief to South Africa: Stop Xenophobic Attacks, Protect Foreign Nationals
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on South Africa to end xenophobic violence and intimidation targeting foreign nationals, warning that such acts have “no place in an inclusive, democratic society.”
The statement, released on April 28, 2026 by spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, comes amid fresh reports of criminal attacks and incitement against migrants in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Province.
Guterres reminded the world that South Africa’s fight against apartheid succeeded because of global and African support.
“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” he said.
He stressed that South Africa’s growth has been shaped by contributions from people across the continent. Attacking migrants, he implied, goes against the very spirit that built modern South Africa.
The UN chief acknowledged South Africa’s tough socio-economic challenges but welcomed the government’s National Action Plan against Racism and Xenophobia as a step forward.
Still, he pushed for action: all investigations into recent anti-foreigner violence must be “prompt, independent and impartial.”
Guterres also sent Freedom Day greetings to South Africa, tying the message to the country’s democratic ideals.
South Africa has faced recurring waves of xenophobic violence, often targeting Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Somalis, and other African migrants. Attacks typically spike during economic downturns, with foreigners blamed for unemployment and crime.
Issue | UN Position
Criminal attacks on migrants| Strongly condemned
Incitement to violence | Unacceptable in democracy |
Government response National Action Plan welcomed |
Investigations Must be fast, independent, impartial
The UN is pressuring Pretoria to protect foreign nationals as xenophobic tensions flare again. With Freedom Day as a backdrop, Guterres is reminding South Africa that its freedom was won through solidarity not division.
Following South Africa xenophobia news, migrant safety, and UN-Africa relations? Subscribe for free alerts on human rights and policy updates
Lunagisthub
