The South African Council of Churches and its member churches have been providing humanitarian relief to the many foreign nationals who are victims of "xenophobic attacks".

"We welcomed the efforts of government to provide 'safe shelters' for these vulnerable people" said Eddie Makue, the General Secretary of the SACC. "The SACC has all along been concerned about a longer term solution that will demonstrate our national commitment to and respect for the inalienable human rights of the strangers in our midst" he continued.

The crisis has highlighted the urgent need for government to develop and implement appropriate migration policies. The lack of adequate policy has resulted in scores of undocumented refugees. The Department of Home Affairs responded promptly to the recent wave of xenophobic violence by providing shelters for those traumatised and dislocated by the attacks. But clergy and church social workers who have visited the shelters have been devastated by the levels of destitution, fear, trauma and insecurity they have encountered. Furthermore, nearly two months after the assaults, there is still no clear long-term plan for accommodating displaced people.

Government has been talking about reintegrating victims of xenophobic attacks into communities. In the absence of practical alternatives, the SACC accepts this approach and is prepared to work with public officials to assist the process where it is feasible to do so.

Council leaders were therefore appalled by the threatening and insensitive way that Home Affairs officials and members of SAPS moved into the Glenanda shelter and dealt with undocumented refugees.

"The fact this happened after government convened a National Day of Tribute is shameful. This behaviour makes a mockery of government's commitment to respect the rights of foreigners," Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke, the President of the SACC, warned. Maluleke added that "the SACC is equally disappointed with those displaced persons who refuse to cooperate with justified government approaches and interventions,"

"The SACC strongly condemns the inhuman actions of those few South Africans who perpetrated these xenophobic and criminal acts. We plead for tolerance and acceptance of all foreign nationals," Makue reiterated. "The way that Home Affairs officials are presently dealing with this matter is not helpful and we urge them to show restraint. Home Affairs is challenged to do more in preparing communities for the reintegration processes," Maluleke asserted.

For more information, contact: Mr. Eddie Makue, General Secretary (082 853 8781)