A UN watchdog voiced grave concern yesterday 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 (CERD) said at least 50,000 people had been displaced within South Africa by civilians and organised vigilante groups.
It pointed to reported abductions, looting, destruction of property and businesses, unlawful evictions and restrictions on access to essential services, stressing that such abuses were in violation of human rights protections.
CERD said the "widespread use of racist hate speech", and negative and harmful stereotypes against migrants, refugees and asylum seekers by civic movements, particularly online, "fosters stigmatisation and intolerance and creates an environment of 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.
At least four migrants were killed in the violence, according to the South African police, though some foreign governments say the toll is higher.
The continent's wealthiest nation, South Africa has long been a draw for migrants but is battling an unemployment rate above 30% and massive inequality.
CERD, a committee of 18 independent rights experts, monitors adherence to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by its 182 states parties.
Under the convention, which came into force in 1969, countries must eliminate racial discrimination, eradicate practices of segregation and guarantee equality before the law.
CERD's opinions and recommendations are non-binding but carry reputational weight.
The committee voiced concern about the persistence of racial profiling and "racially motivated excessive use of force" by law enforcement officials in South Africa.
CERD welcomed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemning vigilantism, xenophobia, hate crimes and violence against migrants in June.
But it urged the authorities to address the root causes of racial discrimination and hate speech against migrants.
The committee urged South Africa to ensure accountability and end impunity through proper investigations into all reported abuses, including killings, looting, abductions, unlawful evictions, unlawful identity checks and home raids.
