A South African civil rights organization delivered a stark condemnation of its own government’s policies before a United Nations body this week, alleging a severe and worsening climate of discrimination and incitement against minority communities.
Ernst van Zyl, Head of Public Relations for AfriForum, presented the group’s findings in an oral statement at the 18th session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues. His address, titled The world must know, outlined a series of accusations against the South African government, which he labeled a “main perpetrator” of rights violations.
Van Zyl acknowledged the contributions of minorities like the Afrikaner community to South African society in fields including sport, agriculture, science, and culture. He then presented a catalogue of alleged abuses, stating the human rights situation, particularly regarding minority rights, “has continued to deteriorate” in 2025.
Central to the allegations is the claim that the government has enacted “145 race-based laws,” many of which AfriForum deems racially discriminatory, and that these are “increasing in number and severity.” Van Zyl argued that private property rights are “increasingly under threat” and that minority heritage, language, and education are being “targeted, attacked and marginalized.”
The presentation took a particularly grave turn with the accusation of state-tolerated incitement to violence. Van Zyl cited the chant “kill the boer, kill the farmer,” which he said incites farm murders and is done “with impunity.” He further claimed that “the president continues to refuse to condemn this violent chant.”
Van Zyl linked his organization’s international advocacy directly to retaliation at home, stating that “simply speaking out internationally about these issues” has made AfriForum “the target of a high treason police investigation back in South Africa.” He also alleged that government critics face “intimidation, censorship and police investigation.”
In his conclusion, Van Zyl urged “all decent nations as well as the UN and this forum to take a strong stance against the minority rights abuses happening in South Africa.” He directed attendees to a detailed report on the group’s website, www.theworldmustknow.co.za, for further information.
The South African government has not yet issued an immediate response to the specific allegations raised during the forum session. The UN Forum on Minority Issues provides a platform for dialogue and recommendations on protecting the rights of ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities worldwide.