SAHRC and JCPS Ministers launch talks on immigration tensions

• SAHRC will hold a timely meeting on protests affecting undocumented migrants.  
• JCPS Ministers will discuss illegal immigration and community unity.  
• Ministers will also meet protest groups to address rules and government actions.  

The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Ministers from Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) will hold separate discussions on Monday, 25 May 2025, as the government faces rising tensions around illegal immigration, protests by migrants, and community unity.  

The SAHRC has called a virtual meeting in response to reports of violence, displacement, and threats related to protests targeting undocumented migrants. On the same day, the JCPS Ministers will meet urgently at the Union Buildings in Tshwane before talking with political parties and groups involved in protests against illegal foreigners.  

SAHRC seeks dialogue on protest impacts  

The SAHRC stated the urgent meeting is in response to recent events that resulted in violence, displacement, and fear among those affected.  

According to the SAHRC, the virtual meeting aims to provide a platform for affected communities, civil society groups, humanitarian workers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to share their experiences and concerns regarding the protests.  

The discussions will cover reports of violence and human rights abuses, the displacement of individuals and families, the role of government institutions in managing the situation, as well as the impact of misinformation and hate speech. They will also explore ways to prevent further escalation.  

The meeting will identify urgent humanitarian needs and help coordinate responses among government bodies, civil society organisations, and community groups. The SAHRC noted that the information collected will assist in its oversight, investigation, and advocacy efforts and will contribute to both immediate and long-term recommendations.  

The SAHRC has invited community members, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, humanitarian agencies, traditional leaders, labour organisations, business forums, academics, media representatives, and vulnerable groups to join the discussions.  

JCPS Ministers to address illegal immigration concerns  

Later in the day, the JCPS Ministers will gather at the Union Buildings to discuss what the government describes as increasing protests related to immigration and illegal foreigners.  

All security cluster ministers and senior officials responsible for national security will be present. The government said this meeting is part of broader efforts to tackle illegal immigration and issues surrounding community unity.  The ministers will finalise a framework on the national action plan to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.  

After their discussions, the JCPS Ministers will meet with political parties and various groups involved in protests and marches against illegal foreigners across the country.  

The government aims to establish rules for protests and discuss initiatives to address what it sees as a serious problem related to illegal immigration.  

Focus on community unity and preventing further conflict  

Although these processes are independent, both address issues related to immigration, public safety, human rights, and community unity.  

The Human Rights Commission's meeting will gather information from those directly affected by recent events, while the JCPS Ministers will engage with organisations involved in protests against illegal immigration and discuss government responses.

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