The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has raised alarm over what it described as “disturbing patterns suggestive of xenophobia” in South Africa, warning that foreign nationals, particularly women and children, are increasingly becoming targets of harassment, violence and forced displacement amid growing tensions around immigration enforcement.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Ezinwa Okoroafor, the global president of the organisation, FIDA said reports emerging from South Africa indicate that actions initially framed as efforts to tackle illegal immigration have escalated into attacks by vigilante groups allegedly targeting foreign nationals, including those legally residing or operating businesses in the country.
The global association of women lawyers said it had received complaints and enquiries concerning the situation and expressed “deep concern” over allegations that foreign nationals are being terrorised, denied access to healthcare and pressured to leave their communities.
“Such actions have extended beyond this purpose,” the organisation said, referring to immigration enforcement efforts. “They now reflect disturbing patterns suggestive of xenophobia, with groups of citizens reportedly acting as vigilantes.”
FIDA warned that women and children often bear the brunt of social unrest and instability, making them especially vulnerable to violence, exploitation and marginalisation during anti-immigrant crackdowns.
The organisation also cited reports that mixed-nationality families have been affected, with some spouses of foreign nationals allegedly being instructed to leave South Africa alongside their children and relocate to their partners’ countries of origin.
The statement comes amid mounting concern across parts of Africa over rising anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, where tensions linked to unemployment, crime and migration have periodically triggered outbreaks of violence against migrants from other African countries.
FIDA noted that several African governments had already issued advisories aimed at protecting their citizens in response to the developments. It also referenced statements from both the African Union and the United Nations condemning xenophobic attacks and vigilante conduct.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereign right to regulate immigration within its borders, FIDA argued that such powers must be exercised within the framework of human rights protections guaranteed under both domestic and international law.
The organisation pointed specifically to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Maputo Protocol and South Africa’s Constitution, all of which protect rights relating to human dignity, equality, security and freedom from discrimination.
FIDA urged the South African government to take “immediate and decisive action” to halt attacks against foreign nationals and prosecute perpetrators in accordance with the rule of law.
The organisation further called on authorities to provide safe shelters and emergency protection measures for women and children fleeing violence, while ensuring immigration enforcement measures are carried out humanely, including in cases involving undocumented migrants.
“FIDA trusts that the Government of South Africa will demonstrate its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights,” the statement said.
