HURIWA seeks diplomatic reset as NICASA alleges police brutality
The United Nations (UN) has expressed concern over renewed reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa, calling on authorities to take urgent steps to protect foreign nationals and prevent further escalation.
 
Condemning the recurring killings and alleged harassment of Nigerians in South Africa, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) called on the Federal Government to urgently review its diplomatic approach and consider stronger measures to protect citizens abroad.
 
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) alleged harassment and police brutality against Nigerians and other Africans nationals in Madiba’s country.
 
In a statement issued yesterday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grief following reports of attacks targeting migrants and non-nationals, warning that such incidents pose a threat to social cohesion and the rule of law.
 
The UN noted reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence in parts of the country, and urged South African authorities to guarantee the safety and dignity of all residents, regardless of nationality or origin.
 
While acknowledging South Africa’s constitutional protections for human rights, the organisation stressed the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to deter perpetrators and rebuild trust within affected communities.
 
The appeal comes amid growing criticism from regional governments and human rights organisations, many of whom have condemned the attacks and called for accountability.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed outrage over the recent death of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, reportedly linked to encounters with South African security operatives.
 
HURIWA described the incidents as part of a disturbing pattern of xenophobic violence and discriminatory treatment against Nigerians living in South Africa.
 
According to him, the trend represents a violation of the right to life and human dignity, as well as a breach of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
 
The organisation called for urgent, transparent, and independent investigations by South African authorities, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.

NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, said the situation called for urgent intervention by African leaders.
 
Onyekwelu said: “We are alarmed by the increasing normalisation of hostility, manifested through inflammatory rhetoric by certain political actors, unlawful intimidation, and discriminatory enforcement practices by some law enforcement personnel.”