Nigerian Scholar Urges Action Against Xenophobia in SA

In a press statement, Prof. Uchenna Emelonye, a human rights scholar from Bournemouth University and former United Nations senior human rights envoy, condemned the recent xenophobic violence in South Africa that has targeted Nigerian migrants.

He highlighted that these attacks constitute systematic violations of fundamental rights, particularly against Nigerians, and called for the Nigerian government to respond urgently. Emelonye noted that the violence has resulted in killings, physical assaults, and property destruction, infringing on the rights to life, personal security, and livelihood.

He emphasized that the attacks are characterized by xenophobic discrimination and undermine the dignity of African migrants. Furthermore, he urged the Nigerian government to deploy a rapid response consular team to engage with South African authorities and provide legal support to victims.

Emelonye also pointed out that the violence has displaced individuals and destroyed businesses, calling for a firm commitment from South Africa to protect Nigerian citizens and for regional bodies to advocate for their rights.