Along with the African Union and the UN, South Africa has demanded an immediate, impartial investigation into the deaths of at least 23 migrants who tried to cross the Moroccan border into the Spanish city of Melilla.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) expressed its sincere regret and concern over the deaths and injuries of several migrants in a statement on Thursday.
“South Africa aligns with the statements of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) that calls for an immediate independent, effective and transparent investigation into the matter.
“It is imperative that UN member states abide by internationally agreed norms and standards to protect human rights, human dignity and the protection of those fleeing war, persecution and discrimination,” DIRCO said.
The department also noted that there were more violent incidents against migrants worldwide.
“We see similar anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, which at times, aside from challenging the very foundations of our constitutional democracy, could lead to mass violence against migrants irrespective of their status,” the department said.
DIRCO has further called for commitments from all states to treat migrants and their families with the human rights accorded to them under international law in light of these national, regional, and global trends.