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IOM and partners plan response to potential xenophobic violence in South Africa
International Organisation on Migration (IOM)
July 13, 2009

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/MMAO-87BFQ5?OpenDocument&query=zimbabwe

IOM is currently working with the South African Government, UN agencies and local NGOs to plan for a possible exodus of vulnerable Zimbabwean migrants fleeing threats of post World Cup xenophobic violence in South Africa.

The IOM reception and support centre located in the border town of Beitbridge reports increased traffic of Zimbabweans who have decided to temporarily return home because of fears of xenophobic flare-ups in South Africa.

The town of Musina, situated approximately 20 km from the Zimbabwean border, is a traditional entry/exit point for a large number of Zimbabwean migrants. However, cross-border flows over the last week of the World Cup were atypically characterised by trucks laden with furniture and other household goods, indicating that people are anticipating outbreaks of xenophobic violence and are sending their belongings back to Zimbabwe to minimise losses, and to allow for a quicker flight should they need to make a quick getaway.

"I cannot risk the life of my family while trying to watch the World Cup final," said Ellias, a 26-old Zimbabwean from Gwanda, who is married with two children. He was passing through Musina on his way from Mamelodi Township near Pretoria.

Over the weekend, IOM conducted interviews with returning migrants on the Zimbabwean side of the border, with more than 90 per cent of the 140 interviewed stating they had fled threats of violence and 10 per cent stating that they had already suffered xenophobic violence prior to their departure.

On-going contingency plans carried out with partner agencies include the pre-positioning of food and hygiene packs as well as measures to allow prompt document processing in case of a large influx of returning Zimbabweans. In addition, provisions are being made to provide adequate transportation from the border to various locations in Zimbabwe should the need arise.

IOM is also working with its partners in the One Movement to prevent xenophobic attacks through a targeted public information campaign to counter the negative rumours circulating. The campaign's goals are to emphasise harmony and unity within the community via the local churches and mass media outlets such as newspapers and radio stations, as well as a door-to-door campaign in conjunction with the SAPS (South African Police Service).

The One Movement campaign was launched in March 2009 under the patronage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and uses media, community conversations, youth mobilization, curriculum interventions and human rights training in partnership with a wide range of civil society partners to promote a culture of tolerance, human dignity and unity in diversity across southern Africa.

South African Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu announced yesterday that the army and police would immediately deploy in the Western Cape Province to protect the lives of immigrants from African countries. A number of foreign nationals have reportedly fled their homes in Nyanga, Philippi East and Khayelitsha districts to seek refuge at police stations due to fears of xenophobic attacks.

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