South Africa has been the scene of a new wave of attacks against foreigners and nationals that started a week ago in the township of Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, before spreading to the city centre and across the Gauteng region. According to media reports, at least 23 people have been killed and hundreds have been injured, whilst many more have lost their dwellings. Foreigners have been the target of mobs who accuse them of taking the jobs and houses and fuelling crime. It is estimated that almost 20,000 people have been affected or currently displaced.

The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) mobilized its volunteers and staff as soon as the crisis started. They have been working tirelessly to bring emergency assistance to displaced people who have fled to police stations and community halls, seeking shelter and security, in at least 20 different sites in Gauteng province.

"There is a majority of single men among the displaced but also many women, elderly people and young children, all in shock. Tents have been put up hastily by South African authorities, providing them with very basic temporary shelter," explains Seija Tyrninoksa, country representative for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) who visited two of the major shelters on Monday together with representatives from SARCS and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

"Some people only had time to bring their essential belongings but usually they reached the shelter place with not even a blanket to cover themselves at night since they lost everything while running for their life when they were attacked," she adds.

Once they get to the shelter, SARCS volunteers provide them with first aid and distribute mainly food, blankets as well as hygiene and baby articles. Volunteers and staff have been working in shifts, often in dangerous and difficult conditions, bringing relief and comfort to those affected by violence.

Civil society in South Africa has not stayed silent during these attacks. Community and church leaders regularly visit the shelter sites to bring support and to assure victims that the current wave of xenophobia currently taking place is not representative of the opinion of the majority of South Africans.

This support has been clearly demonstrated by the fact that the local emergency appeal launched by SARCS on 16 May 2008, for R1 million, has been massively supported. Individuals and families have donated cash and in kind, with some walking to Red Cross branches to deliver bags of groceries. Private Companies have also been very generous.

So far, the Red Cross has been able to assist more than 10,000 people and the number is growing every day. The Society has also appealed for people trained in first aid and other skills who can help with the current operation to contact branches and join the team as the scale of the crisis is unprecedented.

Besides responding to the emergency situation, SARCS is also aware there is an urgent need to address the roots of violence by trying to curb the stigma and ignorance that led to the attacks. It will launch shortly an anti-discrimination campaign, based on International Humanitarian Law and promoting the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's Fundamental Principles for peace and harmony.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has mobilized its staff at its Southern Africa Zone Office in Johannesburg, providing technical support to SARCS. Additional human and financial resources will be provided if necessary.

The International Federation is coordinating its response to the crisis with all humanitarian partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross.