Xenophobic Violence In South Africa: An International and Domestic Legal Perspective

Abstract

There is a growing realization that racism, xenophobia and intolerance are the root causes of most of the conflicts and human rights violations that mar our world. Combating these evils is therefore a collective responsibility. A fundamental first step is that States and the international community acknowledge the reality of multi-racial and multi-ethnic societies. Education initiatives and awareness raising about diversity and the harmful consequences of racism can play a very important role in combating racism and xenophobia1. You shall not harm or oppress a stranger, since you too were strangers
in Egypt2.Do not consider Allah to be heedless of what the wrongdoers do. He is
merely deferring them to a Day on which their sight will be transfixed, rushing headlong – heads back, eyes vacant, hearts hollow. Warn mankind of the Day when the punishment will reach them. Those who did wrong will say, Our Lord, give us a short reprieve3.

IFE Psychologia – Special Issue: Xenophobia Vol. 16 (2) 2008: pp. 296-319