Why are anti-migrant attacks increasing in South Africa?
Summary
Human Rights Watch reports an increase in attacks against migrants in South Africa, driven by anti-immigration groups and protests in major cities like Johannesburg and Durban. Migrants face threats, eviction, discrimination, and violence, with some attacked due to fears over competition for jobs and services amid high unemployment and inequality.Key Facts
- Anti-immigration groups such as March and March and Operation Dudula lead protests targeting foreign nationals.
- Migrants experience verbal abuse, eviction, workplace discrimination, and denial of basic services.
- Many migrants do not report attacks due to fear of retaliation or deportation.
- Anti-migrant sentiment grows partly because of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality in some South African areas.
- Some political parties frame migrants as rivals for jobs and government help.
- Vigilante groups blame migrants amid social frustrations linked to the country’s history and economic struggles.
- Migrants have lost jobs and businesses, and some have been forced to leave homes during unrest.
- The process to get legal immigration papers is complicated and slow.
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