South Africa migrant hate crimes alarm UN watchdog

A United Nations discrimination watchdog voiced grave concern Thursday over a surge this year in xenophobia and racist hate crimes against migrants in South Africa.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said at least 50,000 people had been displaced within South Africa by civilians and organised vigilante groups.

The committee pointed to reported abductions, looting, destruction of property and businesses, unlawful evictions and restrictions on access to essential services. It said such abuses violated human rights protections.

CERD also said racist hate speech and harmful stereotypes against migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, particularly online, were creating fear and insecurity for migrants.

More than 160,000 people have left South Africa since late May, according to an AFP tally based on figures released by African governments that organised repatriations, including around 1,500 Nigerians.

South African police say at least four migrants were killed in the violence. Some foreign governments say the toll is higher.

South Africa has long attracted migrants but is struggling with unemployment above 30 percent and deep inequality.

CERD welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's June condemnation of vigilantism, xenophobia, hate crimes and violence against migrants. It urged South African authorities to address the root causes of racial discrimination and hate speech, and to investigate reported killings, looting, abductions, unlawful evictions, unlawful identity checks and home raids.

CERD is made up of 18 independent rights experts and monitors states' compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Its recommendations are non-binding but carry reputational weight.