UN Watchdog Raises Alarm Over Reported Racist Hate Crimes Against Migrants In South Africa

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has expressed grave concern over reports of escalating xenophobic and racist violence against migrants in South Africa this year, including forced displacement, attacks on businesses and alleged unlawful evictions.

The committee said at least 50,000 people had been displaced inside South Africa by civilians and organised vigilante groups. It cited reports of abductions, looting, destruction of property, unlawful evictions and restrictions on access to essential services, saying such conduct violated human rights protections.

CERD also warned that the widespread use of racist hate speech and harmful stereotypes targeting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers was contributing to fear and insecurity.

The committee said civic movements were among those spreading such rhetoric, particularly online, and that this was fostering “stigmatisation and intolerance” towards migrants.

UN Committee Calls For Accountability

CERD urged South African authorities to ensure that allegations of abuses are properly investigated and that those responsible are held accountable.

The committee specifically called for investigations into reported killings, looting, abductions, unlawful evictions, identity checks and raids on homes. It also urged the authorities to address what it described as persistent racial profiling and “racially motivated excessive use of force” by law enforcement officials.

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CERD welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's public condemnation in June of vigilantism, xenophobia, hate crimes and violence against migrants. However, it called on the government to go further by addressing what it identified as the underlying causes of racial discrimination and hate speech.

The committee's recommendations are not legally binding, although its findings carry reputational weight.

Thousands Displaced As Migrants Leave South Africa

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 repatriation programmes. The figure includes about 1,500 Nigerians.

South African police have said at least four migrants were killed in the violence. Some foreign governments, however, have reported a higher death toll.

South Africa has historically attracted migrants from across the continent, while continuing to face an unemployment rate above 30 per cent and severe inequality. These conditions form part of the wider environment in which tensions around migration have developed, although CERD's findings focus specifically on racial discrimination and human rights protections.

CERD Monitors Compliance With UN Convention

CERD is made up of 18 independent human rights experts and monitors how countries comply with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The convention, which entered into force in 1969, requires its 182 state parties to eliminate racial discrimination, end segregationist practices and guarantee equality before the law.

In its assessment of South Africa, the committee called for authorities to ensure accountability for reported abuses and to prevent impunity. Its recommendations reinforce the need for investigations into alleged violations while distinguishing those allegations from findings that have been conclusively established.