UN expresses concern over killing of Congolese in India

In the wake of the killing of a Congolese national in India and a spate of attacks on African students in recent days, the UN has voiced concern over the incidents saying it encourages tolerance and inclusivity in every country.

"Well, we would be concerned of any information if that were the case. But...What we try to do wherever we go is to encourage messages to promote tolerance and inclusivity in every country," Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters here on Friday when asked about the murder of Masonda Ketada Oliver, 29, from Congo on May 20.

Haq said the UN weighs in on instances of fight against racism and xenophobia wherever it occurs.

"We have always tried to push for programmes that encourage tolerance and understanding. And a lot of the efforts by the educational parts of the UN system, whether it's the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), promote those messages of tolerance.

"And we would do that in India, as we do elsewhere in the world," he said.

Oliver was beaten to death in Vasant Kunj area of South Delhi following a brawl over hiring of an autorickshaw.

There has been a spate of attacks on African nationals in the last few days including assault on a 23-year-old Nigerian student in Hyderabad.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has reassured African envoys of the safety of their nationals.