The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has decried violent actions directed at migrants and foreign nationals in South Africa.

The General Secretary of the labour body, Joel Odigie, said that while the ITUC-Africa condemned Afro-phobia and all forms of discrimination against African migrants, it expressed its solidarity with the joint statement issued by the South African trade unions, concerns expressed by organised business regarding the escalation and its impact on social cohesion and the consequences for economic stability, investment and employment.

ITUC-Africa insisted that South Africa is a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law.

According to it, the responsibility for enforcing immigration, labour and criminal laws rests solely with the State and its duly mandated institutions. This principle is equally reflected in international labour standards.

The ILO Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) states that the enforcement of labour legislation is the responsibility of competent public authorities, while the ILO Migration for Employment Convention, 1949 (No. 97), the ILO Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143), and the ILO Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) affirms the rights of migrant workers to equality of treatment, protection from discrimination and respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.

The continental labour organisation noted that, as deeply as citizens may feel the effects of unemployment, crime, inequality, or pressures on public services, they cannot justify vigilantism, intimidation, violence, unlawful inspections, or the targeting of individuals based on nationality or perceived origin.

It stated that those who take the law into their own hands undermine constitutional governance and must be investigated and held accountable in accordance with the law.

ITUC-Africa called upon the government of South Africa to act decisively, saying: “The State has a constitutional obligation to protect everyone within its territory, maintain public order and ensure that the law is applied fairly and without discrimination. Beyond restoring order, the Government must intensify efforts to address the structural socio-economic challenges that continue to fuel frustration and social tensions, including unemployment, inequality, poverty and inadequate public services.”

ITUC-Africa equally called upon governments across Africa to strengthen governance and implement policies that improve the welfare of their people.

It emphasised that the search for decent work, security and opportunity often drives Africans to move across borders.

The labour body declared that it remains steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law, the protection of migrant workers, the defence of workers’ rights and the advancement of Pan-African solidarity.

It stressed that lasting solutions to the challenges confronting Africa as a continent will not be found in fear, exclusion or violence, but in justice, decent work, democratic governance and shared prosperity for all Africans. (Guardian)