I have just returned from a five months study internship in South Africa. During this period I was affiliated to a local NGO’s as a part of my studies as an International Social Worker. In May 2008, media around the world briefly reflected the extreme xenophobic violence waged against foreigners and immigrants in South Africa by impoverished South Africans. Innocent people became victims of assault in their homes and their properties looted. To rescue their lives, most sought refuge and protection at nearest local police stations.
Unfortunately, the world did not hear what actually happened refugees in South Africa after their encampment. Most of the illegal immigrants left the camps. Those left behind were vulnerable refugees from Somalia, Congo and Zimbabwe. They remained in the camps without any form of assistance.
What is obviously most worrying is that the South African government did not invite the United Nations to help the refugees. Without the safeguard of the United Nations, the refugees risk forced repatriation to return to the communities that brutally persecuted and looted their properties. I personally witnessed the forced repatriation and gruesome methods applied by South African authorities in South Africa.
I worked in one of the small camps in Knysna where I tried my best to help the unfortunate people who involuntarily ended in this camp. They consisted of Somali elders, women, children and some young men. I even saw security personal stealing from the camp. When I tried to collect evidence for the purpose to document it, I was told I was o longer welcome in the camp. After working 14 days at the camp, I received sudden instruction to have security clearance. In addition, necessities that the refugees should have were missing or not delivered accordingly. The camp in Knysna is formally administered by the Municipality that in return delegates the task of managing and organizing the camp to the local law enforcement. Red Cross supports the Municipality with food and other supplies. Department of Home Affairs visited the camp to register but never returned since.
I was expelled the camp when I began to investigate the grave conditions in the camp where the supplies from Red Cross to the refugees are mismanaged and stolen. A representative from the regional department of the prime minister asked me to register any mismanagement and mistreatment. When the law enforcement found out my activities, I was no longer welcome. Nonetheless, I remained in contact with the refugees. They told me they no longer received any food assistance. The municipality authorities ordered the refugees to return immediately to their original locations. As punishment, the authorities totally suspended the food aid until Red Cross found out what was happening and now tries to help the refugees.
For fear of persecution, the refugees do not want to leave the camps. They lost everything following the xenophobic violence. Some even lost family members. If they return, they afraid the same or worse will happen. Remember these people were successful Somali business entrepreneurs, who established themselves in South Africa after escaping the civil war havoc in their country of origin, Somalia. They came to get peace and start fresh. Instead, they again experience gross victimization. They appeal to the international community and UN for protection. They are capable peace loving people that are exclusively interested in a life without fear. The UN needs the invitation of the South African government. The Somalis have refugee status in the country, and it is ultimately the United Nations and the international law to protect them.
What is obviously most worrying is that the South African government did not invite the United Nations to help the refugees. Without the safeguard of the United Nations, the refugees risk forced repatriation to return to the communities that brutally persecuted and looted their properties. I personally witnessed the forced repatriation and gruesome methods applied by South African authorities in South Africa.
I worked in one of the small camps in Knysna where I tried my best to help the unfortunate people who involuntarily ended in this camp. They consisted of Somali elders, women, children and some young men. I even saw security personal stealing from the camp. When I tried to collect evidence for the purpose to document it, I was told I was o longer welcome in the camp. After working 14 days at the camp, I received sudden instruction to have security clearance. In addition, necessities that the refugees should have were missing or not delivered accordingly. The camp in Knysna is formally administered by the Municipality that in return delegates the task of managing and organizing the camp to the local law enforcement. Red Cross supports the Municipality with food and other supplies. Department of Home Affairs visited the camp to register but never returned since.
I was expelled the camp when I began to investigate the grave conditions in the camp where the supplies from Red Cross to the refugees are mismanaged and stolen. A representative from the regional department of the prime minister asked me to register any mismanagement and mistreatment. When the law enforcement found out my activities, I was no longer welcome. Nonetheless, I remained in contact with the refugees. They told me they no longer received any food assistance. The municipality authorities ordered the refugees to return immediately to their original locations. As punishment, the authorities totally suspended the food aid until Red Cross found out what was happening and now tries to help the refugees.
For fear of persecution, the refugees do not want to leave the camps. They lost everything following the xenophobic violence. Some even lost family members. If they return, they afraid the same or worse will happen. Remember these people were successful Somali business entrepreneurs, who established themselves in South Africa after escaping the civil war havoc in their country of origin, Somalia. They came to get peace and start fresh. Instead, they again experience gross victimization. They appeal to the international community and UN for protection. They are capable peace loving people that are exclusively interested in a life without fear. The UN needs the invitation of the South African government. The Somalis have refugee status in the country, and it is ultimately the United Nations and the international law to protect them.
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