Bay students deplore xenophobia

TO the general public:

The recent violent attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa have left many ashamed and shocked at the brutal nature and extent of the attacks.

We as the International Students Association at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University condemn these acts and feel that it is critical for the general public to be reminded of the basic human rights to life and security. We would also like to urge everyone to help stop the violence from spreading.

So far these attacks have been taking place in Durban, where at least five people have been killed, including a 14-year-old boy who was shot and succumbed to his injuries.

Thousands of people have been displaced and their belongings have been looted.

We recently celebrated Human Rights Day, and it is deeply saddening that just weeks after this day, some have deliberately chosen to ignore basic human rights and commit such atrocious acts.

Furthermore, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which South Africa has endorsed, highlights that it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations and respect the dignity and worth of our fellow human beings.

We need to educate the general public about the value of mutual respect by emphasising that all human beings are born free and equal and we should “act towards one another in the spirit of brotherhood”. Everyone is entitled to his or her own rights, regardless of their origin and everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

No one should be subjected to torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment and all people are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of the declaration.

We would like to urge the citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay and the broader Eastern Cape to refrain from violence and work together, in order to find a more peaceful and sustainable solution to the problems that have motivated these attacks.

Remember that “the pen is mightier than the sword” and patience, cooperation and understanding will help us live together in unity as brothers and sisters, as fellow Africans and as human beings.

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time and we pray that they may have the strength of character (to rise above these tragedies).

May the souls of the deceased rest in eternal peace and may their loved ones find closure.

We wish the injured a speedy recovery so that they may be reunited with their loved ones and find a way to move forward from this situation.

Thank you to the South African Police Service who have deployed forces in high risk areas in order to protect foreigners against these attacks.

Once again, violence is not the answer and by working together we can achieve more. Stop xenophobia! Stop the violence from spreading!

-Proscovia Tombe, NMMU International Students’ Association president