DURBAN - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says it is concerned about the ongoing anti-illegal migrant protests in KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of the country.
The entity has met with KZN Premier Thami Ntuli over the issue. A number of organisations such as March and March have been calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
Dozens of refugees have been camping outside the Home Affairs offices in Durban citing safety fears in their communities.
Putting their heads together and looking for a solution to a long-standing and now urgent crisis of undocumented foreign nationals.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says it is concerned about the wave of protests and tensions. Ntuli met with representatives from a number of countries to discuss the issue. He said the State must apply immigration laws in line with the Constitution while also respecting human rights.
“We reject both xenophobia and lawlessness, we reject hatred but we also reject disorder. What we seek is balance. A society where cohesion exists with accountability and where rights are accompanied by responsibilities," the premier said.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan delegation said it was not planning to repatriate their citizens – just yet.
“We don’t have much to worry about and our people are legal citizens in the country but the rest of course is dependent on the host government," Malik Muhammad Farooq, Pakistan high commissioner said.
eThekwini officials said they are addressing the issue of those camped outside the Home Affairs offices.
Watch video for full report by Siphamandla Goge