United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the wave of xenophobic attacks against migrants and foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, calling the violence criminal and saying it has no place in a democratic society.
The statement was delivered by UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric on the occasion of South Africa’s Freedom Day, during which the Secretary-General also extended greetings to the people and government of South Africa as they marked the anniversary of the country’s transition to democracy.
Guterres said he was deeply concerned by reports of attacks, harassment and intimidation against migrants and foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, and placed the blame squarely on individuals exploiting socio-economic conditions to incite violence. 
“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights,” the Secretary-General said through his spokesman.
Guterres reminded South Africa of its own history, noting that the country’s struggle against apartheid was sustained through international and African solidarity, and that its social and economic development had long been shaped by the contributions of people from across the African continent and beyond.
The Secretary-General acknowledged the public statements made by South African authorities warning that no individual or group had the right to take the law into their own hands and that those responsible for criminal acts would be investigated and held accountable. He called for those investigations to be prompt, thorough, independent and impartial.
While acknowledging the complex socio-economic pressures bearing down on South African society, a challenge he noted was shared by many nations globally, Guterres said addressing such concerns must always be done lawfully, without discrimination and in a way that upholds the human rights and dignity of all people.
He welcomed the South African government’s stated commitment to rooting out corruption within immigration systems, implementing the National Action Plan against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, following up on recommendations from UN human rights mechanisms and ensuring that law enforcement remains the sole arbiter of justice.
The UN said it stood ready to continue engaging in efforts to reduce tensions, counter incitement, protect those at risk and strengthen social cohesion, with the Secretary-General calling for sustained community engagement, responsible leadership and accountability to prevent further violence and preserve peace and stability.
