Delhi Police Starts Helpline for Africans; Amnesty Demands Action

Amnesty International said that Africans living in Greater Noida told them that “they continue to live in fear.”

Representational image of a protest held against racist attacks on Africans. (Photo: IANS)

Following the brutal attack on Nigerian students by a mob in Greater Noida, Amnesty International India issued an official statement stating:

Racist Hate Crimes Against Black African Students Must End

The NGO which works for human rights said the state authorities must bring to justice those who caused the attacks and ensure the students’ safety.

The recent attacks in Uttar Pradesh show how black people in India – particularly African students – continue to face racist discrimination and violence. Many of those injured were targeted merely because of the colour of their skin. These are hate crimes, and authorities need to ensure that those responsible are punished.

Makepeace Sitlhou, Campaigner at Amnesty International India

Also Read: Mob Attacks Nigerian Student with Metal Dustbins in Noida Mall

The two Nigerian students who were brutally thrashed at a Greater Noida mall on Monday, alleged that no ‘Indian’ had come forward to their rescue.

On Wednesday, the Delhi Police also started a twenty-four hour helpline (number 8750871111) for providing help to African nationals, according to News18.

Amnesty International’s statement further cited instances of racial attack against black African students, which include an attack on a Kenyan woman on Wednesday and four Nigerian men on 27 March.

Also Read: ‘Know Us Before You Judge Us’: African Students Speak to The Quint

Living in India must not become a life-threatening issue for black people. The police must not overlook the discriminatory elements of these attacks. Racism can end only if authorities first acknowledge and document its existence. The Uttar Pradesh government and other state governments must thoroughly investigate all reports of hate crimes, and protect the rights of black students.

Makepeace Sitlhou

The statement also mentioned that black students from Greater Noida told Amnesty International India that “they continue to live in fear.”

Also Read: We Might Call For a Boycott if Violence Continues: African Student