Attacks 'humanitarian crisis'

2008-05-18 19:12

Johannesburg - The xenophobic attacks that have spread across Gauteng leaving thousands of foreigners destitute have now amounted to a humanitarian crisis, said Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without borders) on Sunday.

Spokesperson Dr Eric Goemaere said the attacks that had so far claimed 10 lives, injured hundreds and left thousands destitute were a crisis.

"I have been to many refugee camps and situations and this definitely is along those lines," he said.

Goemaere said other countries had a refugee definition and people were protected and granted assistance, whereas in SA they were staying in police stations.

He said there was a need for the government to accord the foreigners "some kind of status".

'People are terrified'

Medecins Sans Frontieres is a humanitarian aid organisation. It has presence in Alexandra, Diepsloot and has visited Jeppe, parts of the East Rand and the Central Methodist Church in the Johannesburg CBD.

Goemaere said: "This reminds me of a refugee situation. I have treated bullet wounds, people who have been beaten, rape victims and the people are terrified."

He said the police appeared to be overwhelmed by the attacks.

There is no way the police will be able to protect foreigners, all they can do is react to an outbreak of violence. The violence is spreading and the situation is tense, he said.

- SAPA