Pope pleads against abuse of migrants, as xenophobic sentiment resurges in SA
Anti-immigrant rhetoric has been on the rise around the world and in political messaging ahead of the May elections in SA
Rabat — As attacks on foreign nationals resurge in SA, Pope Francis used a visit to the north of the continent to plead against “theatres of violence, exploitation and abuse” of migrants and refugees. The pope encouraged host countries to “appreciate and utilise the contribution made by migrants, while working to forestall all forms of discrimination and xenophobia”. “The side of the border on which a migrant stands does not make him or her more or less human.” Speaking at an aid centre for migrants in the Moroccan capital Rabat at the weekend, Francis slated those who are blind to the suffering of others. “How arid and inhospitable a city becomes once it loses the capacity for compassion. A heartless society, a barren mother.” The pontiff’s comments come as anti-immigrant rhetoric has been on the rise around the world and in political messaging ahead of the May elections in SA. ANC leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, promised a clamp down on undocumented foreigners, while...
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