UN worries about SA
2008-05-22 08:57
Cape Town - United Nations organisations in South Africa have expressed what they say is deep concern over the continuing xenophobic attacks in the country.
"The UN organisations recognise that many of the victims are refugees and asylum seekers seeking a safe and better life for their families," UN acting co-ordinator in SA Macharia Kamau said in a statement on Tuesday.
"We remain gravely concerned at the prospect of further escalation in violence especially against the most vulnerable including children and poor families."
He said the organisations welcomed government condemnation of the attacks, and the deployment of more police to the areas affected by the violence.
They implored the security forces and community leaders to immediately end the attacks.
The UN organisations were ready to provide assistance for immediate humanitarian needs of victims as well as to find longer-term solutions to the problem.
- SAPA