From OKORO CHINEDU in Lagos, Nigeria
LAGOS – A polling agency has attributed the recent violence against Nigerians in South Africa to the global economic recession.
NOIPolls, the Nigerian-based surveying firm, said this was in line with projections by the United Nations.
The company noted the UN had previously declared the global financial crisis could lead to a rise in xenophobia, racist sentiments and discriminatory practices against the civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights of migrants.
“The recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa are an apt example,” NOIPolls stated.
Its sentiments came as the world marked the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is observed worldwide.
The day aims to remind people of racial discrimination’s negative consequence as well as encouraging people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination.
Commemorations coincided with recent violence against Nigerians in South Africa, where they were accused of perpetrating crime.
Nigeia claims more than 100 of its civilians have been killed in such attacks over the past two years.
– Guardian