Published on: 2026-08-27
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 27, 2026 Human Rights
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination expressed concern about the surge in xenophobia and racist crimes against migrants in South Africa since the beginning of 2026, including murders, forced population displacement, and illegal raids on homes.
The committee noted with deep concern that at least four migrants were killed. About 50,000 migrants were evicted from their homes by organized vigilante groups. Committee experts received reports of kidnappings, robberies, destruction of migrants’ property and businesses, illegal evictions by landlords, and restrictions on access to health care and education,
The committee emphasized that these crimes violate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Experts also report widespread use of racist statements and the spread of negative stereotypes about migrants and refugees by civil movements such as the Insizwa Nobunsizwa Development Fund and the March and March movement, especially on the internet and social networks.
The committee expresses concern about the lack of effective measures to eliminate the causes of racial discrimination and hate crimes against migrants, including the persistent socio-economic inequality inherited from the apartheid era.
It is also reported that law enforcement agencies do not take adequate measures to prevent hate crimes and use excessive force against migrants.
The Committee welcomed the statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 7, 2026, condemning vigilante justice, xenophobia, violence against migrants, and warning against blaming migrants for South Africa’s socio-economic problems.
Experts urge the country’s authorities to intensify their efforts and address the root causes of racial discrimination, dismantle organized vigilante groups, and cooperate with the media, internet providers, and social networks in combating hate speech and stereotypes online.
The committee also recommended that South Africa ensure that law enforcement agencies effectively respond to acts of racist violence, do not use excessive force against migrants, and establish safe and accessible channels allowing victims to report violations.
All crimes must be investigated, and evicted migrants must be provided with adequate temporary housing conditions and access to basic services, experts emphasized.
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