Back to Index

Xenophobic attacks in breach of universal basic human rights to life and dignity
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
May 21, 2008

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has noted with concern the rising tide of violence leading to loss of human life, destruction of property and livelihoods, against foreign nationals in the Republic of South Africa.

These actions are in breach of Universal basic human rights to life and dignity, and also in violation of international declarations and principles against torture and sexual harassment. Reports indicate women have been raped and abused in this mayhem.

There have been innumerable calls by the South African government and other civic leaders against these acts of violence and vandalism. MISA supports these statements and urges more action on the ground to stop the violence. As things stand there is need for more cooperation from political players, security agents, community leaders and non governmental bodies to stem the wave of violence. More critically is the role that the media can play in communicating messages that mitigate against the violence, calling upon the perpetrators to communicate grievances in a civilized manner as well as sending a clear message that violence is a criminal act that will be dealt with no matter who is committing such acts and no matter the gravity of their grievances. In the same vein the media needs to go beyond the immediate facts of the story unfolding and ask hard questions to authorities on actions being taken as well as use language that does not further inflame the already bad situation. In this vein the use of words such as "aliens" to refer to foreigners by some sections of the South Africa media has to be condemned as it represents foreigners as a far-distant people to be feared and loathed. Foreigners are not "aliens", but human beings with equal rights within the laws of South Africa and international statutes.

MISA therefore calls upon the South Africa media to report responsibly and give information that helps to build bridges and not inflame the violence. The media has a moral and ethical obligation to report ethically and also play an advocacy role under the circumstances. Thus, the place of ethics in journalism and social responsibility in the media can not be over emphasized. As stated by civic leaders including Bishop Desmond Tutu, South Africa's independence was won by all in South Africa and beyond its borders. Many of whom suffered but cherished the dream of an independent Africa above everything else. It is clearly time to ensure the independence of Africans not only in body but also in mind. In this regard MISA calls upon the media to endeavor to bridge the gap of misunderstandings that give rise to xenophobic violence not only in South Africa but all over the continent.

Kaitira Kandjii
MISA Executive Director Windhoek

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP