Protesters in South Africa threaten migrants as aid group warns | Human Rights Issues

The NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned of increasing humanitarian needs as thousands of African migrants flee their homes.

Anti-immigrant protests continue South Africaand humanitarian groups and regional governments are on alert as security forces search for undocumented migrants.

On Thursday, migrant rights activists in Johannesburg went door-to-door looking for illegal immigrants, handing over those they found to police, according to Reuters reporters who witnessed the incident.

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Anti-immigrant protesters have set a deadline for all undocumented immigrants to leave the country at the end of last month, and have pledged to hold weekly protests every Thursday until their demands are met.

South Africa is one of the countries with the highest unemployment rate. Many anti-immigrants blame immigrants for unemployment and rising crime.

The government has been heavily criticized by African countries and human rights organizations for its failure to curb economic growth the violence of xenophobiawhich has killed several people.

Migrants met again

The International Medical NGO, Doctors Without Borders (known by its French initials, MSF), warned on Thursday of the growing humanitarian needs and disruption of health care following violence and the displacement of “thousands of people”.

MSF has launched an emergency aid program to help those who have been unable to access medical care due to violence and threats from outsiders.

The NGO said that although the protesters say that they are targeting “illegal” migrants, some of its patients said that refugees, migrants and those who have been recruited have also encountered anti-immigrant groups.

“We are deeply saddened to see people fleeing torture and violence and we stand with those affected who have their right to health and dignity,” said Claire Waterhouse, MSF Emergency Coordinator.

“Our priority is to address the problem of access to health care for those most at risk, regardless of who they are or where they come from.”

A 49-year-old Malawian man living in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, told MSF that he was denied medical help after anti-immigrants came to his home during a door-to-door campaign, robbing him of all his money, a laptop and other valuables, the organization said.

“Blood was coming out of my mouth and eyes.” (An employee at the hospital) said, ‘You are a foreigner, we cannot help you. You must go to your country. I don’t want visitors here. If you stay here, I can call people, and they will come here and beat you again,” said the man, according to the testimony cited by MSF.

In Johannesburg’s Alexandra township on Thursday, a Reuters reporter saw protesters breaking down doors and entering buildings where they believed undocumented migrants were hiding. He accompanied the people to where they were taken, including a woman and a small child in Malawi. Another man who was caught by the marchers told Reuters he was in the country legally.

In Soweto, south of Johannesburg, anti-immigrants marched through the town carrying sticks and flags, with the intention of searching for undocumented migrants.

Another demonstration took place in the eastern city of Durban, about 600km (373 miles) from Johannesburg.

Thousands of foreigners have returned home in recent weeks. Malawi it says more than 38,000 of its citizens have returned, while more than 60,000 Zimbabweans have adopted the same. Hundreds of Nigerians have also been repatriated.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that people are worried about immigration but has warned protesters not to take the law into their own hands.