The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it is worried about anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, citing safety concerns and potential human rights violations.

Speaking at a recent symposium on migration and social cohesion at Wits University in Johannesburg, the chief of mission for South Africa and sub-regional director for Southern Africa at IOM, Yitna Getachew, said the sporadic protests are worrying.

Getachew said there is no justification for escalation of tensions, no matter how genuine the grievances that South Africans could be having.

"We are deeply worried about the situation, and we are fully committed to supporting the government. And the United Nations, we see this in two ways. One is the immediate danger that is lurking, the escalation of tensions. We believe that needs to be addressed immediately. We are calling for de-escalation of tensions; we are calling for calm."