R2K statement: Let us unite and fight against xenophobia
PIC by: Rajesh Jantilal
The Right2Know Campaign calls on all South Africans to join hands and lead the fight against Xenophobia. As we gear towards celebrating Freedom Day, we need to remember that our freedom was obtained in unification with other African countries.
We strongly condemn these barbaric attacks against fellow Africans and send our deepest sympathies to all those who are affected, especially the families of those who lost their lives. The Right2Know Campaign commits itself to working tirelessly in the fight to end xenophobic violence. We call on civil society to be more vocal and visible in affected communities by supporting anti-xenophobia community initiatives and reporting all
related elements like looting to the authorities.
R2K Gauteng is part of the People’s March Against Xenophobia initiative and will be marching from Peter Roos Park in Empire Road to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on the 23rd April starting at 1PM. There will also be a
press conference of the initiative today (Monday 20th April) at 2pm at the offices of Section 27.
R2K KZN, the African Solidarity Coalition and Abahlali base Mjondolo will be marching from King Dinuzulu Park on the 27th of April at 10:00AM.
R2K Western Cape will be supporting a march organised for the 1st of May.
We call on South Africans to come out in numbers to join these marches to SAY NO TO XENOPHOBIA and to come together for peace and unity. Community members who hear any threats or talks about possible attacks must immediately report those to the UNHCR xenophobia hotline on 082 570 8779.
R2K KZN supports the African Solidarity Coalition’s call for the establishment of the Special Security Unit which will consist of SAPS Public Order Unit, Home Affairs and Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal. We want the Unit to work 24 hours strictly towards addressing issues of xenophobia especially in the townships where activists are struggling to contain the victimisation.
The Right2Know Campaign calls on the South African Police Service to practice restraint and calm, and to respect the rights of people to freely express their disapproval of xenophobic violence. We also call on the government to show more political will to address the underlying causes of xenophobia as opposed to always being reactive.
We would also like to applaud communities like Katlehong in Gauteng, where residents have been pro-active by safeguarding businesses owned by foreign nationals. We hope their act of Ubuntu will be a positive influence toward affected communities. We are all African, let us unite and fight against xenophobia, unity is strength.
