United Nations Radio

The UN Special Rapporteur on racism and xenophobia, Doudou Dienne says that the attacks against foreigners in South Africa are an indication of just how universal xenophobia and discrimination are in today's world.

He adds that he is especially saddened by the fact that the violent attacks, in which more than 20 people have been killed and thousands left homeless, is happening in South Africa.

"Sadness, because this happened in a country where the majority of the population has been marginalized, institutionally discriminated with violence for years, and a country, which has liberated itself by fighting that institutional racism."

Mr. Dienne stresses that the attacks in South Africa, which have spread in recent days from Johannesburg to Durban, should alert everybody to be vigilant, and especially government authorities to meet their obligations of protecting the rights of migrant workers and spreading awareness of the need for multi-culturalism and respect for diversity.

Reporting for UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.

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