Policy Brief: Xenophobia, gender and diversity in South Africa

Xenophobia is not only an attack on people perceived to be foreign; it is a threat to human rights, public safety, social cohesion and inclusive economic development. In South Africa, migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and LGBTQI people face intersecting forms of discrimination based on nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. These inequalities can height their exposure to exclusion, exploitation, gender-based violence, hate crimes and barriers to justice, healthcare, protection and economic opportunities.

This policy brief examines how xenophobia emerges and takes root, tracing regional patterns and its particular expression in South Africa.