24/07/2008 13:50 - (SA)
SACC condemns treatment of displaced foreigners
By S'thembiso Hlongwane
THE South African Council of Churches (SACC) has condemned the treatment of displaced foreign nationals outside the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
More than 300 foreign nationals from the Glenanda refugee camp remain stranded on the side of the R28 in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg after being released from the Lindela yesterday.
This after they initially refused to register for the Home Affairs office's six months ID card.
SACC's Eddie Makue says the crisis highlight the urgent need for government to develop and implement appropriate migration policies.
He says the lack of adequate policy has resulted in scores of undocumented refugees.
"The Department of Home Affairs responded promptly to the recent wave of xenophobic violence by providing shelters for those traumatised and dislocated by the attacks. But clergy and church social workers who have visited the shelters have been devastated by the levels of destitution, fear, trauma and insecurity they have encountered."
He added: "The way that Home Affairs officials are presently dealing with this matter is not helpful and we urge them to show restraint.
"The SACC has all along been concerned about a longer term solution that will demonstrate our national commitment to and respect for the inalienable human rights of the strangers in our midst."
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