Post by cjm on Sept 21, 2019 5:28:41 GMT
UNHRC spokesperson, Charlie Yaxley, addressed media at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Friday.
Yaxley said the UNHRC was deeply concerned about the violence against foreign nationals, saying at least 12 people – South Africans and foreign nationals – had been killed.
"Our staff are receiving a significant increase in calls to our telephone hotlines in recent weeks, with people reporting that their homes and businesses have been looted, buildings and property have been set on fire, increased gang activity on the streets and rising incidents of sexual and gender-based violence," Yaxley said.
"Many refugees are now too afraid to go to work or carry out their day-to-day trade, despite having no alternative sources of income."
He said, as a result of the violence in South Africa, the UNHRC were strengthening operational presence in South Africa to ensure the safety of refugees.