Eviction threat to refugees

The Cape Town city council has filed an eviction notice attempting to force about 400 refugees out of the Blue Waters safety camp near Muizenberg, despite rumbling xenophobic violence that has seen nine foreign nationals killed in the past six weeks in the Western Cape.

The camp opened in May last year after xenophobic attacks that left more than 100 foreign nationals dead and another 60 000 homeless across South Africa. Although the majority of the country's refugees have either reintegrated within South Africa or returned to their home countries, hundreds still fear violent retribution.

According to Lawrence Mgbangson, senior liaison officer of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the city did not inform the commissioner that an eviction order would be filed this week. "I do not think that there is a need for eviction at this stage. If they do any eviction, then it's contrary to what we agreed."

Eviction is "a last resort", Mgbangson says. "If the people leave the centre they should leave in safety and dignity, they shouldn't be evicted."

Evictions across the country have led to violence. Last week refugees and camp officials clashed as tents were burned in response to an eviction notice served at Klerksoord refugee camp north of Pretoria. Oxfam has expressed concern over the closure of camps and the resulting influx of refugees into local communities.

Source: Mail & Guardian