Cape Town – The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has expressed concern over a rise in alleged human rights abuses against foreign nationals, including reports of door-to-door operations in townships and informal settlements to identify and forcibly evict them.
The commission said in a statement on Friday that it was alarmed by incidents of intimidation, unlawful evictions, attacks on businesses owned by non-nationals, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid to displaced people.
While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to manage immigration and repatriation, the SAHRC stressed that these processes must comply with the Constitution, the rule of law, and international human rights obligations.
“The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa affirms that everyone is equal before the law and possesses inherent dignity that must be respected and protected.”
Media Statement: The South African Human Rights Commission Calls for the Protection of Humanitarian Organisations and the Rights of Displaced Non-Nationals pic.twitter.com/eQ4geKUXtC
— SAHRCommission (@SAHRCommission) July 3, 2026
“These protections apply to every person within South Africa’s jurisdiction, regardless of nationality or immigration status.”
It warned that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands or violate the constitutional rights of others, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
The commission called on authorities to ensure humanitarian organisations can provide assistance without interference and urged embassies to better support the repatriation of their nationals.
It said it would continue monitoring the situation and consider legal action where necessary to protect the rights of affected individuals.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Screengrab
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
