The Young African Women Congress Network (YAWC Network) has strongly condemned the recent xenophobic attacks reported in South Africa, describing the violence as a grave violation of human rights, a betrayal of Pan-African values, and an attack on the continent's shared identity.

In an official statement issued by its Global President, Dr Wirba Stephanie K, the organization denounced the attacks against foreign nationals living in South Africa and called for urgent action from the South African government, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN).

Attacks Violate Domestic and International Law

According to YAWC Network, the attacks contravene South Africa's Constitution, which guarantees the rights to life, dignity, equality, and freedom from violence for all individuals regardless of nationality.

The organization cited Section 9 of the Constitution, which prohibits unfair discrimination, and Section 12, which protects the freedom and security of every person. It further noted that acts of violence and intimidation targeting foreign nationals violate the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act 16 of 2023.

YAWC also emphasized that the attacks breach South Africa's international obligations under several human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the 1951 Refugee Convention.

"To attack a fellow African is to violate the very laws that South Africa helped write for this continent's freedom," the statement said, stressing that grievances relating to immigration should be addressed through legal processes rather than mob violence.

'A Betrayal of Pan-Africanism'

The network described the attacks as a direct contradiction of Africa's longstanding spirit of solidarity, recalling the support many African countries provided during South Africa's struggle against apartheid.

The statement highlighted the contributions of countries such as Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, and Cameroon to South Africa's liberation efforts, arguing that targeting fellow Africans undermines the sacrifices made for the country's freedom.

"Xenophobia is anti-African," YAWC stated, adding that such actions betray the African Union's vision of "an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens."

Calls for African Union and United Nations Action

YAWC Network urged the African Union to take immediate steps to address the situation. Among its recommendations, the organization called on the AU to invoke Article 4(h) of its Constitutive Act, dispatch the AU Panel of the Wise and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to investigate the incidents, and activate the Continental Early Warning System to prevent future outbreaks of violence.

The organization also appealed to the United Nations to pursue accountability through the UN Human Rights Council and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism. It further requested support for victim protection, reparations, and the prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

Demands to South African Government

While acknowledging previous anti-xenophobia statements by South African authorities, YAWC argued that stronger action is needed.

The organization called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, compensation for victims, rebuilding of affected businesses and livelihoods, and nationwide civic education campaigns highlighting the contributions of African migrants to South Africa's economy and history.

Particular emphasis was placed on the protection of women and children, whom the network said often face heightened vulnerability during such attacks.

Appeal to Young African Women

YAWC also used the statement to rally its members across its 12 member countries, urging them to organize solidarity vigils, engage policymakers, and challenge hate speech through advocacy and public education.

"As YAWC Network, we refuse to inherit a continent that eats its own. Our mandate is to build Africa, not burn it," the statement declared.

Call for Continental Unity

Concluding its statement, YAWC reaffirmed its solidarity with victims of xenophobic violence and called for a renewed commitment to African unity and mutual protection.

"An injury to one African is an injury to all," the organization said. "We demand justice. We demand action. We demand an Africa where no woman fears for her life because of her accent."

The statement ended with a message emphasizing continental belonging and unity: "Africa is not a crime scene. Africa is home."