S/Africa calls for probe into Morocco/Spain migrant deaths
APA-Pretoria South Africa has called for“ an immediate independent investigation” into the deaths of at least 23 migrants attempting to cross the border from Morocco into the African Spanish territory of Melilla on June 24. The tragedy happened when thousands of migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, attempted to illegally cross from Morocco into…
APA-Pretoria (South Africa) South Africa has called for “an immediate independent investigation” into the deaths of at least 23 migrants attempting to cross the border from Morocco into the African Spanish territory of Melilla on June 24.
Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said in a statement on Thursday that the South African government “expressed deep regret and concern at the deaths and injury of several migrants.”
“South Africa aligns itself with the statements of the African Union and the United Nations that calls for an immediate independent, effective, and transparent investigation into the matter,” Monyela said.
He added: “It is imperative that UN member states abide by internationally agreed norms and standards to protect human rights, human dignity, and the protection of those fleeing war, persecution and discrimination.”
The official said that such violent incidents meted out to migrants were increasing globally.
“We see similar anti-migrant sentiment in our own South Africa which, at times and aside from challenging the very foundations of our constitutional democracy, could lead to mass violence against migrants irrespective of their status,” he said.
In light of these national, regional and global trends, the ministry called for commitment by “all states to treat migrants and their families with the human rights accorded to them under international law,” Monyela said.
The tragedy happened when thousands of migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, attempted to illegally cross from Morocco into Melilla, a Spaniard territory still attached to north Africa.
Melilla and its sister city Ceuta are the only land borders between Europe and Africa, bordering Morocco – 150 km from the Spanish mainland.
NM/jn/APA
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