afrol News, 9 June - A Somali national in Soetwater camp in the Cape Peninsular, South Africa, attempted suicide by jumping into the Atlantic Ocean as 100 others threaten to follow suit in a desperate bid to get United Nations' attention.

The unrest at camp began after a meeting between displaced immigrants and officials from the UN refugee agency, when a group of Somalis expressed concerns with decisions over relief efforts following last month’s violence which left 50 people dead and scores homeless.

Immediately following the discussions, Somalis in camp went on hunger strike which escalated into threats of suicide.

One of the refugees, Husein Faras, 25 who plunged into the ocean, was rescued by other Somalis and carried back to the camp after spending several hours in the ocean.

The refugee committee leader Abdulaani Wenliye said refugees were left with no options but resort to desperate measures to get the world's attention.

He said Fara’s attempt was as a result of stress, since his brother was murdered by robbers in 2006.

Police and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) prevented mass suicide at camp though there are rumours that other refugees were still missing, causing a huge panic swim-search in the ocean.

In light of the Soetwater crisis, Treatment Action Campaign has once again requested all levels of government to take action and close down the refugee camps and relocated people to their homes.

"A tragedy is unfolding as people who fled xenophobic terror now face the uncaring machinery of the state," TAC said.

Activists have demanded that, South African, President Thabo Mbeki deliver a mandate to the UN to repatriate or resettle displaced people to a third country.

At least 70,000 people fled their homes and more than 50 people were killed in the anti foreigners violence in South Africa.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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