Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has petitioned the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), demanding that the xenophobic violence in South Africa be officially declared a grievous violation of human rights.
“The several xenophobic attacks constitute serious violations of the human rights guaranteed by several provisions of the Charter.
“Find that the Republic of South Africa is in violation of its obligations under the African Charter, including Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14, and 18,” Mr Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said in his petition dated 15 May, shared with PREMIUM TiMES on Wednesday.
He also demanded that the South African government prosecute “perpetrators, strengthen protection mechanisms for foreign nationals, End incitement to xenophobic violence, and address structural causes of discrimination and insecurity.”
The human rights lawyer said recent resurgence of xenophobic attacks in the country have resulted in the deaths of two Nigerians and the harassment of African migrants in South Africa.
