SA may face refugee flood

2008-06-20 14:01

Cape Town - Zimbabweans are likely to flood into SA if the country's June 27 presidential election is not free and fair, or the outcome is not accepted, the Black Sash said on Friday.

In a statement issued to mark World Refugee Day, it said this influx would compound the refugee crisis created by the recent wave of xenophobic violence in SA.

Xenophobia attacks had left thousands of foreign nationals displaced and without access to basic rights such as housing, education or health care.

The Sash said all foreigners living in SA should speedily be issued with documents ensuring their access to basic human rights and promoting their independence and ability to contribute to South African society.

The organisation also called for a moratorium on arrests and deportations for immigration-related purposes.

- SAPA