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On the occasion of South Africa’s Freedom Day, the Secretary‑General extends his warm greetings to the people and Government of South Africa as they commemorate a defining moment in the country’s history and reflect on the hard‑won values of freedom, dignity, equality and human rights that underpin the nation’s democratic Constitution.
At the same time, the Secretary‑General is deeply concerned by reports of xenophobic attacks and acts of harassment and intimidation against migrants and foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, including in KwaZulu‑Natal and Eastern Cape Province.
He strongly condemns these criminal acts perpetrated by individuals inciting violence and exploiting socio-economic conditions. Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The Secretary‑General recalls that South Africa’s struggle against apartheid was sustained through international and African solidarity, and that the country’s social and economic development has long been shaped by the coexistence and contributions of people from South Africa, the African continent and beyond. He notes the clear public messages by South African authorities reaffirming that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands and that those responsible for criminal acts will be investigated and held accountable in accordance with the law. The investigations must be prompt, thorough, independent and impartial.
Acknowledging the complex socio‑economic challenges and its impact on social cohesion including with migrant and refugee communities, a challenge shared by many nations globally, the Secretary‑General underscores that addressing these concerns must always be conducted lawfully, without discrimination and in a manner that upholds the human rights and dignity of all people. He welcomes the Government’s commitment to rooting out corruption within immigration systems, the implementation of the National Action Plan against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, follow-up to recommendations made through the UN human rights mechanisms, and ensuring that law enforcement remains the sole arbiter of justice.
The United Nations stands ready to continue engaging in efforts to de‑escalate tensions, counter incitement, protect those at risk and strengthen social cohesion. The Secretary‑General underscores that sustained community engagement, respect for human rights, responsible leadership and accountability are essential to prevent further violence and to preserve peace and stability.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 27 April 2026
*****
Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
United Nations
T: +1 212 963 7160
New York, USA
On the occasion of South Africa’s Freedom Day, the Secretary‑General extends his warm greetings to the people and Government of South Africa as they commemorate a defining moment in the country’s history and reflect on the hard‑won values of freedom, dignity, equality and human rights that underpin the nation’s democratic Constitution.
At the same time, the Secretary‑General is deeply concerned by reports of xenophobic attacks and acts of harassment and intimidation against migrants and foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, including in KwaZulu‑Natal and Eastern Cape Province.
He strongly condemns these criminal acts perpetrated by individuals inciting violence and exploiting socio-economic conditions. Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The Secretary‑General recalls that South Africa’s struggle against apartheid was sustained through international and African solidarity, and that the country’s social and economic development has long been shaped by the coexistence and contributions of people from South Africa, the African continent and beyond. He notes the clear public messages by South African authorities reaffirming that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands and that those responsible for criminal acts will be investigated and held accountable in accordance with the law. The investigations must be prompt, thorough, independent and impartial.
Acknowledging the complex socio‑economic challenges and its impact on social cohesion including with migrant and refugee communities, a challenge shared by many nations globally, the Secretary‑General underscores that addressing these concerns must always be conducted lawfully, without discrimination and in a manner that upholds the human rights and dignity of all people. He welcomes the Government’s commitment to rooting out corruption within immigration systems, the implementation of the National Action Plan against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, follow-up to recommendations made through the UN human rights mechanisms, and ensuring that law enforcement remains the sole arbiter of justice.
The United Nations stands ready to continue engaging in efforts to de‑escalate tensions, counter incitement, protect those at risk and strengthen social cohesion. The Secretary‑General underscores that sustained community engagement, respect for human rights, responsible leadership and accountability are essential to prevent further violence and to preserve peace and stability.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 27 April 2026
*****
Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
United Nations
T: +1 212 963 7160
New York, USA
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The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
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