United Nations Radio

The UN Refugee agency, UNHCR has expressed deep concern about the continuing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa.

The agency estimates that more than 17,000 people, including refugees and asylum seekers, have been displaced and dozens have been killed over the past two weeks, as attacks have flared up from Johannesburg through Durban to Cape Town. UNHCR's spokesperson in Geneva, Jennifer Pagonis says a large percentage of those displaced are Zimbabweans.

"They include people who came to South Africa to seek asylum. They urgently need both assistance and protection. While thousands of Mozambicans are reportedly streaming home, many Zimbabweans cannot consider returning home."

Because of the violence in Zimbabwe following the contested Presidential election and the dire economic situation, Ms. Pagonis says UNHCR is urging South Africa to exceptionally grant to Zimbabweans the possibility to regularize their stay in the country. UNHCR is continuing to distribute blankets and mats to those who have been left homeless by the xenophobic attacks.

Reporting for UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.

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