A human rights approach to address xenophobia can curb violent attacks and reverse attitudes in South Africa, said the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday.

IOM's regional representative for Southern Africa, Hans-Petter Boe, called for this approach in a statement to commemorate International Human Rights Day on December 10.

A government-led comprehensive approach, he said, was needed to address the underlying causes of the violent attacks that occurred against foreign nationals in South Africa earlier this year.

This would reverse attitudinal dynamics that produced discriminatory behaviour such as xenophobia, racism and tribalism.

In his statement, Boe quoted from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution which emphasised the need to promote respect for human life and dignity.

"It emphasises the rule of law and human solidarity among all persons within the borders of the country, to create an environment for all people within the Republic to co-exist peacefully."