Save the Children strongly condemns the continuous acts of xenophobia and violence that have caused a great deal of suffering for many foreign migrants, especially children. We are deeply saddened to hear that more than 20 people have died, while over 6,000 people have been displaced in and around Johannesburg.

According to research undertaken by Save the Children on unaccompanied migrant children between 2003 and 2007, growing numbers of children are crossing borders unaccompanied as a survival strategy. Children are leaving their home countries in response to the death of caregivers; to escape intolerable poverty; high levels of HIV infection and violence in search of food, work and education in other countries such as South Africa. These children are extremely vulnerable and often fall victim to violence and exploitation. The current wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa exacerbates the vulnerability of migrant children.

We are concerned by the human rights abuses and social injustices of the xenophobic attacks and their impact on human lives, especially young children. We have heard disheartening stories of children being brutalised, beaten and maimed. Children's basic rights to safety and protection, food, education, and healthcare must be upheld at all costs.

We call upon the government to urgently intervene to ensure that children's lives are not threatened and their rights are protected. We appeal to all South Africans to find peaceful ways of resolving grievances and to show respect for the rights of all human beings especially children.

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For more information please contact:

Tapiwa Gomo: Regional Communications Officer, Save the Children Sweden: +27 82 8880341, +27 12430428 or email tapiwag@saf.savethechildren.se Or Karen Allan: Advocacy and Communications Officer; Save the Children UK +27741314041 or email: kallan@savethechildren.org.za