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Pandor condemns killing and silencing of journalists in Palestine
Pandor condemns killing and silencing of journalists in Palestine
The capacity of journalists to report on events in real-time is crucial, and intimidating or killing members of the media must not be permitted to persist without consequences.
This is according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who spoke at the second Shireen Abu Akleh Memorial Lecture at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Wednesday.
Abu Akleh was a prominent Palestinian-American journalist, who worked as a reporter for Al Jazeera. She was killed by an Israeli soldier while wearing a blue press vest and covering a raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The lecture, organised by the Faculty of Humanities at UJ, centred on the role of academic institutions during periods of genocide.
WATCH |
Pandor said the lecture occurs against a “troubling” backdrop of an evident decline in media freedom.
She is of the view that academics and institutions must allocate more time to address the decline and the escalating threat to free expression.
“In the past, journalists knew they would enjoy robust and active protection from fearless colleagues, who would risk their lives to protect them. The decline we are witnessing cannot simply be explained away by citing wireless, social media or other technologies.”
This week marks two years since the assassination of Abu Akleh, who Pandor described as a beloved veteran journalist, who dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice and truth.
“To date, no one has been held accountable for her death despite the global outrage, and there has been no reported progress in the investigation at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and silence with regards to any other investigation,” the Minister said.
She cited the United Nations (UN) Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which “concluded on reasonable grounds that Israeli forces used lethal force without justification under international human rights law” when they shot and killed the journalist, violating her right to life.
Pandor bemoaned the situation for journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which she said has become increasingly grave over the past seven months.
She cited Committee to Protect Journalists data which revealed that as of 23 April this year, at least 97 journalists and media workers are among the 35 000 that have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023.
Pandor is of the view that the targeting of journalists in the Occupied Territories is part of a pattern of silencing the free press and is an outright contravention of international law.
“International human rights law obligates an occupying power to allow for freedom of expression and protests. The ability of journalists to cover events as they take place is essential, and efforts to intimidate and assassinate members of the media should not be allowed to continue with impunity.”
International human rights law, Pandor said, obligates an occupying power to allow for freedom of expression and protests.
“If Shireen were alive today, she would have been in the trenches in Gaza, reporting day and night on the atrocities taking place in the hopes that the world would take notice and show their solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
Pandor believes that Abu Akleh would have been devastated by the destruction of civilian life in Gaza and the global tolerance of the unending suffering of the Palestinian people, many of whom have died agonising deaths trapped under rubble.
“She would have been reporting on the immense suffering of survivors in Gaza, who are now battling unprecedented hunger and starvation, as well as continuous military assaults by the Occupying Forces.”
Despite the International Court of Justice ruling, the Minister said the Israeli state has continued its murderous assault on the people of Gaza with impunity, killing more civilians, injuring thousands, the continued bombing of homes and other buildings and infrastructure, affecting every possible avenue of life of the residents of Gaza.
“The lack of accountability by Israel is increasingly clear.”
Crimes against humanity
The Minister said the evidence of the mass killings of civilians points to the perpetration of war crimes, crimes against humanity.
International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians and non-combatants, underlining the need to protect human life during times of war, Pandor said.
She stressed that South Africa continues to call on the ICC to prosecute these war crimes and to issue arrest warrants for those leaders in Israel who have ordered and presided over these crimes.
“The slowness to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these war crimes necessitates greater mobilisation among the youth and civil society around the globe to ensure that justice for the Palestinians is realised.
“It is time for collective action and for us to champion the call for the implementation of UN resolutions and rulings of the world’s highest court. We owe this to the people of Palestine and the memory of Shireen Abu Akleh,” Pandor said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:09
731 views
SA reacts to discovery of mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Gaza
SA reacts to discovery of mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Gaza
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has reacted to the recent discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 202 Palestinian civilians at Nasser Hospital in Gaza.
“South Africa is appalled by the recent grim discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 202 Palestinian civilians at Nasser Hospital in Gaza," the department said in a statement.
This follows the reported discovery of mass graves at Al-Shifa Hospital on Sunday, 21 April 2024.
According to reports, Palestinian officials claim they exhumed over 200 bodies at Nasser, some with their hands tied.
“These grim findings call for immediate and comprehensive investigations to ensure justice and accountability,” the department’s statement read.
The department is of the view that Israel continues to disregard the rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and United Nations (UN) resolutions amid the unrelenting bombardment of Gaza.
South Africa approached the ICJ in March, which granted the country's urgent request for further provisional measures to prevent Israel from causing irreparable harm to the rights invoked by South Africa under the 1948 Genocide Convention in respect of the ongoing siege of Gaza.
“The court was unambiguous when it agreed with South Africa’s assertion that the situation in Gaza had deteriorated significantly since the court’s order of 26 January 2024 as a result of Israel’s failure and responsibility to comply with the court’s rulings,” the statement read.
The department said it concurs with the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, who has aptly stated that Israel’s war in Gaza has from the start been a “war on the right to health” and has “obliterated” the Palestinian territory’s health system.
“The lack of accountability by Israel is increasingly clear,” the department added.
DIRCO further agreed with the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese.
Albanese recently highlighted that the continuation of Israel’s impunity and exceptionalism is no longer viable, especially in light of the binding UN Security Council Resolution 2728, which called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“In this respect, we call on the international community to act to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure accountability for the victims and their families," Albanese said.
Meanwhile, the department said it noted that the evidence of mass killings of civilians points to the perpetration of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
These include murder and extermination, and genocide, as defined in Articles 6, 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, as well as violations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, as well as Customary International Humanitarian Law.
The department also cited International Humanitarian Law, which prohibits attacks on civilians and non-combatants, underlining the need to protect human life during times of war.
“The International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction over the situation in Palestine. We, therefore, call on the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC to urgently lead a thorough and impartial investigation into a matter that complies with international legal standards, to establish the facts and to bring those responsible to justice.
“It is the collective duty of the international community to ensure that atrocities of this nature are duly prosecuted in terms of the Rome Statute and the Geneva Conventions.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:19
311 views
Pandor reiterates stance on Israel
Pandor reiterates stance on Israel
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says South Africa cannot have "normal relations" with Israel, as long as it is committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinians, removing them from their land, and is unwilling to negotiate a viable peace plan without preconditions.
“South Africa cannot be a party to Israel’s actions that would see the promise of Palestinian Statehood reduced to balkanised entities, devoid of true sovereignty, without territorial contiguity and with no economic viability,” Pandor said on Monday while delivering a lecture at the Rio Branco Institute in Brasilia, Brazil.
The South African government, according to Pandor, has consistently expressed its concern at the plight of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially in light of the acts meeting the threshold of genocide.
READ | SA welcomes resolution on human rights situation in occupied Palestinian territory
Pandor said the “question of Palestine”, as it is known in the United Nations (UN), is the longest unresolved human rights challenge on the UN’s agenda.
“It is primarily a question about the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. This is a right that, according to international law, gives Palestinians the right to resist the illegal occupation of their land.”
She said South Africa concurs with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s remarks that opposition to a two-State solution was “unacceptable".
The Minister believes that the Palestinian people are part of an existing sovereign State and have a claim to their independent sovereignty based on their right to self-determination.
“The fact of colonisation creates this right – they have been conquered and subjected to the jurisdiction of a foreign State without their consent and are living under occupation by a foreign and oppressive occupier.
"This is the form of self-determination that is most widely accepted and which most clearly provides the right to one’s independent State,” she explained.
Pandor said it was now more than 74 years since the UN General Assembly approved Resolution 181 (II) recognising the partitioning of Palestine and proposed establishing two independent States, which were supposed to coexist in peace and harmony.
“Despite the length of time and efforts brought to bear, the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State is yet to become a reality.
“The most serious violation of human rights has involved the denial of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. This is a right enshrined in the UN Charter,” she stressed.
Pandor raised concerns about the political solution, which is "not yet in sight".
“The relentless military operations by Israel and its genocidal acts have aggravated the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“The extreme nature of the crisis in Gaza must not eclipse the fact that the West Bank and East Jerusalem are in turmoil. Since the 1993 Oslo Accords, the number of illegal Israeli settlers occupying Palestinian land has increased from 269 200 at that time to 700 000 today.”
Meanwhile, the number of Palestinians held in Israeli jails has almost doubled to over 7 000, including 200 women and children as young as 12 years old.
According to the Minister, the conflict has seen the killing of over 33 000 Palestinians since October 2023.
The ongoing bombardment of Gaza by Israel has resulted in more civilian casualties, almost half of which are children, the Minister told her audience.
She also raised an alarm about the threat of famine, which is imminent with disastrous consequences.
“Those engaged in active warfare must be reminded that the targeting of civilians, humanitarian workers, journalists and UN personnel, destruction of houses and other civilian infrastructure is illegal under international law.”
Pandor is of the view that South Africa made a compelling case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In January this year, the ICJ ruled that Israel’s actions in Gaza are plausibly genocidal and indicated provisional measures on that basis.
READ | SA stands by decision to file lawsuit against Israel
She also took a swipe at the veto power wielded by individual States, which she said she believes cannot be permitted to thwart international justice in light of the ever-worsening situation in Gaza.
South Africa, Pandor said, is gravely concerned about the unprecedented imminent military offensive against Rafah, which she said would result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction.
“South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and remains committed to seeing an end to the occupation of Palestine and calls for concrete action concerning ending the Apartheid system in Israel and Palestine.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/23/2024 - 10:38
651 views
Cabinet welcomes UNHRC resolution on Israel
Cabinet welcomes UNHRC resolution on Israel
Cabinet has described a resolution taken by the United Nations Human Rights Council calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza as “historic”.
The council also voted on other resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and demanding that Israel “immediately lift its blockade on the Gaza Strip and all other forms of collective punishment” on the people of Gaza.
Conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated since Hamas launched an attack on that country in October last year which killed at least 1200 people.
Some 32 000 people have died in Palestine as a result of Israel’s ongoing retaliation.
“Cabinet welcomes the UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza. The resolution further called upon all States to cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Israel.
“The adoption of this resolution is historic as it is the very first time that the Human Rights Council has taken action on the unprecedented human tragedy taking place in Gaza, where at least 32 975 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 14 500 children, since Israel launched its onslaught over 180 days ago,” Cabinet said in a statement on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 04/22/2024 - 15:28
282 views
Pandor welcomes Egypt into family of BRICS nations
Pandor welcomes Egypt into family of BRICS nations
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has welcomed Egypt into the family of BRICS nations.
“This development further enhances the role the South plays in global matters,” she said on Friday.
The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies – Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia – has admitted four new members. These include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Pandor was speaking in Pretoria where she was co-chairing the 10th Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) with her counterpart, Egypt Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry.
Meanwhile, Pandor said South Africa and Egypt need to exponentially increase trade and investment.
“In this regard, partnerships between our private sectors and Sstate-owned entities are crucial. This also entails the need to formally establish and launch a Business Council,” she said.
The Minister announced on Friday that a decision on the Business Council has been taken and once operational, this structure will go a long way in coordinating and galvanising trade and investment opportunities.
She also asked her counterpart to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which will facilitate easier trade.
“As an important blueprint and contributor to integration, the AfCFTA lessens the barriers towards trade, promotes preferential trade and provides an enabling framework, which will be mutually beneficial to both our two countries and the continent in general.”
She stated that long bonds of friendship, solidarity and collaboration underpin their relationship.
Pandor also paid tribute to Egypt for supporting the country’s anti-apartheid movement, which eventually led to the demise of the old order and the creation of a democratic and free South Africa.
Pandor believes that the depth and impact of the bilateral relationship is very important. “The Cape to Cairo nexus should not only be one of our guiding lights but should highlight the importance of regional integration.”
JCC
Meanwhile, Pandor said the framework provided by the JCC entails that the constituent committees cover a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation.
These include trade and investment, agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure development, water resources management, health, financial services, tourism, transport, information technology, communications, women and people with disabilities, judicial matters, sport, arts and culture, people-to-people links and consular issues.
She also announced that several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be concluded during the session.
Conflict
She highlighted several conflicts and wars that have erupted and called on the international community to be vigilant and redouble its efforts to promote peace, stability and development.
“The United Nations, our premier guarantor of global order as enshrined in its charter, and the regional organisations should remain seized and be decisive in addressing these matters.”
However, Pandor said the world was witnessing an attack on the global system of multilateralism and its institutions of governance.
“The world is seeing the rise of unilateralism and impunity that threatens to erode the very foundations of multilateralism, international law and the creation of a just and equitable world.”
South Africa, she said, is deeply concerned about the unfolding tragedy that has befallen the people of Palestine.
“The catastrophe that is happening before our eyes in the Gaza Strip, with the destruction carried out by the occupying state of Israel, and the humanitarian disaster therein, is a collective blemish on the moral conscience of the world.”
She also spoke about the unresolved plight of the Saharawi people.
“Silencing the Guns on our continent is a pressing challenge that the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities should continue to address.”
She reiterated South Africa’s position, which views dialogue, mediation and negotiations as vital for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“In this regard, it is important not to further delay the reforms needed to transform the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Security Council, and for it to reflect the realities of today. In this endeavour, although North-South collaboration remains important, the Global South should remain united in ensuring that its voice is resoundingly clear.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 15:32
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Last interfaith service for Dean of the People’s Church
Michael Weeder, who has spoken out against Israel’s bombardment of Palestine, retires as Dean of St George’s Cathedral
Concern over hostilities in the Middle East
Concern over hostilities in the Middle East
The government of South Africa has expressed its serious concern regarding the ongoing events in the Middle East, particularly in light of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s retaliatory actions against Israel.
This comes after Israel launched an attack on Iran’s Embassy located in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April 2024.
As a response to the attack, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel last night.
According to reports, Iran fired about 300 “killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles” in its first direct attack on Israel.
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres has stated, that there is a “very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation”.
“In this context, South Africa emphasises that all parties must exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any act that would escalate tensions in a particularly fragile region.
“South Africa has continuously stressed that irrespective of whether states believe that their use of force is lawful, it is never wise to resort to war as inevitably, it is ordinary people who bear the brunt of conflict,” the Department of International and Relations Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, DIRCO has called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to act in pursuit of sustainable and just peace for all people.
“While we turn our attention to these developments, let us not forget that the war in Gaza continues with devastating humanitarian consequences for its people.
“An immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian access are required. The proliferation of global conflicts will continue if we, as the international community, do not commit ourselves to the ending of war and the establishment of conditions under which justice and respect for international law are maintained.”
However, the department said that as long as there is impunity for unlawful acts, war and injustice will continue. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 15:53
442 views
South Africa concerned at possible escalation of hostilities in the Middle East
The Government of South Africa is gravely concerned at developments in the Middle East following the retaliatory action by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Israel following Israel's attacks on Iran's Embassy in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April 2024.
As the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres has stated, there is a “very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation”.
In this context, South Africa emphasises that all parties must exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any act that would escalate tensions in a particularly fragile region.
South Africa has continuously stressed that irrespective of whether states believe that their use of force is lawful, it is never wise to resort to war as inevitably, it is ordinary people who bear the brunt of conflict.
The international community and the United Nations Security Council, in particular, must act in the pursuit of sustainable and just peace for all people.
While we turn our attention to these developments, let us not forget that the war in Gaza continues with devastating humanitarian consequences for its people. An immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian access are required.
The proliferation of global conflicts will continue if we, as the international community, do not commit ourselves to the ending of war and the establishment of conditions under which justice and respect for international law are maintained.
As long as there is impunity for unlawful acts, war and injustice will continue.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
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SA welcomes resolution on human rights situation in occupied Palestinian territory
SA welcomes resolution on human rights situation in occupied Palestinian territory
South Africa has welcomed the adoption of a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution regarding the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
According to reports, the resolution covers the rights of the child and inclusive social protection; the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination; human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan, and Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan.
The resolution called for ensuring accountability and justice. It was passed with 28 of the council’s 47 Member States voting in favour, 13 abstentions, and six against.
The countries that abstained from voting on the resolution were Albania, Benin, Cameroon, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, France, Georgia, India, Japan, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, and Romania.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has since described the move as “historic”.
“This is the very first time that the UNHRC has taken action on the unprecedented human tragedy taking place in Gaza, where at least 32 975 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 14 500 children, since Israel launched its onslaught over 180 days ago,” the statement read on Monday.
In calling for accountability and justice, the department said the resolution emphasises the need to ensure that all those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law are held to account.
It also highlights the need to ensure the provision of an effective remedy for all victims and the need to pursue practical steps to prevent future violations and international crimes.
The department stated that the resolution acknowledges the significance of the order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding provisional measures in the case brought by South Africa against Israel concerning the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
South Africa, the department said, believes that it is only through ensuring accountability and justice that the impunity accorded to Israel that has entrenched the ongoing unlawful occupation can finally be brought to an end.
“It, therefore, remains crucial that Israel respects and implements the ICJ’s orders, together with United Nations Security Council resolution 2728 (2024) demanding an immediate and lasting ceasefire, which resolution A/HRC/L.30 will no doubt contribute to its securing.”
During the debate on the resolution, South Africa’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi, stated: “The international community can no longer choose to apply a parallel system of international law to Israel, nor can we be complicit in facilitating its actions. For international law to be credible, it must be uniformly applied and serve the victims designed to protect.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 04/08/2024 - 10:04
581 views
South Africa welcomes resolution on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem
South Africa welcomes the adoption by the Human Rights Council of Resolution A/HRC/L.30 on the Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the Obligation to Ensure Accountability and Justice by 28 votes in favour, 13 abstentions and eight votes against.
The adoption of the resolution is historic as this is the very first time that the Human Rights Council has taken action on the unprecedented human tragedy taking place in Gaza, where at least 32,975 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 14,500 children, since Israel launched its onslaught over 180 days ago.
In calling for accountability and justice, the resolution emphasises the need to ensure that all those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law are held to account and highlights the need to ensure the provision of an effective remedy for all victims and the need to pursue practical steps to ensure the prevention of future violations and international crimes.
As part of this process, the resolution recognises the importance of the order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that indicated provisional measures in the case lodged by South Africa against Israel on the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
South Africa believes that it is only through ensuring accountability and justice that the impunity accorded to Israel that has entrenched the ongoing unlawful occupation can finally be brought to an end.
It therefore remains crucial that Israel respects and implements the ICJ's orders, together with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2728 (2024) demanding an immediate and lasting ceasefire, which resolution A/HRC/L.30 will no doubt contribute to its securing.
*During the debate on the resolution, South Africa's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi, stated that, “the international community can no longer choose to apply a parallel system of international law to Israel, nor can we be complicit in facilitating its actions. For international law to be credible, it must be uniformly applied and serve the victims that it is designed to protect”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
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Additional provisional measures ordered by ICJ
The International Court of Justice (‘the Court') has granted South Africa's Urgent Request of 6 March 2024, for further provisional measures to prevent Israel from causing irreparable harm to the rights invoked by South Africa under the 1948 Genocide Convention in respect of the ongoing siege of Gaza.
In doing so, the Court agreed with South Africa's assertion that the situation in Gaza had deteriorated significantly since the Court's Order of 26 January 2024 as a result of Israel's failure to comply with that Order. Therefore, it was necessary for the Court to indicate further provisional measures.
As the Court put it, “Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine, as noted in the Order of 26 January 2024, but that famine is setting in, with at least 31 people, including 27 children, having already died of malnutrition and dehydration”.
The Court unanimously ordered Israel to:
- Take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care to Palestinians throughout Gaza, including by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary.
By fifteen votes to one (Judge ad hoc Barak of Israel dissenting), the Court ordered Israel to:
- Ensure with immediate effect that its military does not commit acts which constitute a violation of any of the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, including by preventing, through any action, the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.
- Submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order, within one month as from the date of this Order.
These provisional measures supplement those of 26 January, which ordered Israel inter alia to refrain from committing genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza and to prevent and punish direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip.
The impact of the International Court of Justice's order is significant. The changing circumstances in Gaza warrant the implementation of new strategies.
The fact that Palestinian deaths are not solely caused by bombardment and ground attacks, but also by disease and starvation, indicates a need to protect the group's right to exist.
The most effective way to uphold this right is through prevention. The Court's actions include specific responsibilities to prevent genocide.
As a number of Judges pointed out, these responsibilities can only be fulfilled by halting military operations in Gaza and adhering to the court's directives. If there is non-compliance, the global community must ensure adherence when it comes to the sanctity of humanity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Heightened police visibility this Easter weekend
Heightened police visibility this Easter weekend
Law enforcement and border security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all this Easter holiday period, Cabinet said on Thursday.
“There will be heightened police visibility across the country aimed at preventing, combating and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime during the holiday period and beyond,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Ntshavheni addressed the media on Thursday the outcomes of the last official Cabinet meeting of the sixth administration held yesterday.
She also took the time to extend Cabinet’s best wishes to the Christian and Jewish communities as they observe the religious Easter and Passover holidays this weekend.
“During this time, many South Africans will travel around the country to visit their families and friends, resulting in increased traffic volumes,” said Ntshavheni.
She used the platform to appeal to those travelling during this holiday period to exercise caution on the road, adhere to traffic rules, and respect other road users.
“Law enforcement has adopted a zero tolerance for road users who drive recklessly and are negligent and those who use excessive speeds.”
She also reminded parents and caregivers to always be aware of their children’s whereabouts and ensure that their children are only left with responsible adults.
The Minister also advised them to be extra vigilant while supervising children around swimming pools or anywhere near water.
Shifting her focus to border security management, she said the Executive further welcomed the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) efforts to increase security control measures and reducing congestion.
She also announced that the BMA would extend the operating hours at critical ports of entry and deploy an additional 400 border guards to deal with the expected increase of travellers this Easter weekend.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) are supporting this Easter operational plan.
The Executive applauded the work of the BMA, which will on 1 April 2024, mark one year since it was established.
The agency has intercepted over 270 000 people who tried to enter South Africa illegally and helped curb illegal migration, human smuggling, trafficking and cross-border crime.
Gaza conflict
Cabinet has also welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the Holy month of Ramadan and the unconditional release of all hostages.
The resolution also notes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance.
“This resolution is the affirmation of the correctness of South Africa’s position on the need to prevent genocide and the violation of human rights of the people of Palestine and the release of hostages by Hamas.”
According to the Minister, she said these resolutions are binding and that the UNSC should ensure compliance.
“Therefore, adoption of this resolution is a critical step to also enable the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza area,” she said.
READ | President welcomes UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, corruption, and municipality officials arrested for corruption were some of the issues discussed by Cabinet.
30 Years of Freedom
Meanwhile, on 5 April 2024, South Africa will launch the 30 Years of Freedom commemoration which also coincides with Freedom Month in April.
“The occasion forever reverberates in the history of our nation as a month that gave birth to our freedom and constitutional democracy. The commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable journey we have traversed to create a vibrant democracy where the lives of all people are valued and people treated with respect,” said the Minister.
Other matters
Meanwhile, Cabinet said the signing of the agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe to transfer treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, will alleviate water supply challenges in Musina.
“There will be further socio-economic benefits from the construction of a 20km pipeline and pump stations to transfer this 41 mega litres of water per/day to ensure Musina has sufficient water supply for the medium term.”
In addition, she said South Africa aims to promote industrialisation, competition, and job creation through seven master plans in different sectors.
The seven master plans are being implemented through the deployment of industrial policy tools, to develop capacity, increase investment and localisation, expand exports, and preserve and grow jobs.
In addition, she stated that Cabinet received an update on progress towards digital migration, with the final analogue switch set for December 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:55
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SA welcomes adoption of the UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
SA welcomes adoption of the UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
South Africa has expressed its support for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
This comes after the adoption of Resolution 2728 (2024) by the UNSC on Monday, which demands an “immediate ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip for the duration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ends in two weeks.
While the United States abstained from the vote, the 14 other council members all voted in favour to none against the Security Council ceasefire resolution.
“South Africa is pleased that the Security Council has, at long last, demanded an immediate and lasting ceasefire for the month of Ramadan and the resolution must also propose that this ceasefire should lead to a lasting sustainable ceasefire,” said International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.
“It is now the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is compliance with the resolution, which is binding on the parties,” said the Minister in a statement on Monday.
Pandor said South Africa remains concerned that in the over five months since the conflict began, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.
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Resolution 2728 also notes an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip”.
“It is, therefore, vital that the parties comply with the Security Council,” the Minister added.
The Council also demanded the “lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with international humanitarian law, as well as Resolution 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023)”.
Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, tweeted: “The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.”
Guterres also called for the fight in Gaza to end now.
“The hostages must be released now. And we must not lose sight of the big picture. A lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only come through a two-State solution.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 09:20
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President Ramaphosa welcomes adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2728 (2024) by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 25 March 2024, which demands an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
President Ramaphosa said," We must seize the opportunity presented by this Security Council Resolution to create a firm foundation for a permanent ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations. We need to stop the carnage and begin walking a path to peace".
The President called on the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is compliance with the resolution, which is binding on the parties.
South Africa remains concerned that in over five months, since the escalation the conflict, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.
As Resolution 2728 notes, there is an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance and to reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip”.
It is therefore vital that the parties comply with the Security Council, “demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with international humanitarian law, as well as Resolution 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023)”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
President welcomes UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
President welcomes UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
President Cyril Ramaphosa is the latest world leader to back the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) decision which demands an “immediate ceasefire” between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza.
This follows the UNSC’s adoption of Resolution 2728 (2024) on Monday, which demands an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the duration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, ending in two weeks.
The United States abstained from the vote, with the 14 other council members all voting in favour to none against the Security Council ceasefire resolution.
“We must seize the opportunity presented by this Security Council resolution to create a firm foundation for a permanent ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations. We need to stop the carnage and begin walking a path to peace,” said President Ramaphosa in a statement.
READ | SA welcomes adoption of the UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
The recent passing of this resolution marks the first of its kind in the nearly six-month-long war.
Resolution 2728 also notes an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance and to reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip”.
The Council also demands lifting all barriers to providing humanitarian assistance in line with international humanitarian law, as well as Resolution 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023).
The first citizen has since called on the UNSC to ensure compliance with the resolution binding on the parties.
Meanwhile, he said South Africa remains concerned that in over five months since the escalation of the conflict, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.
As per a Reuters article, at least 32 333 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza, with thousands more feared buried under rubble.
“It is, therefore, vital that the parties comply with the Security Council,” the President added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 13:12
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Beating a thousand drums for Palestine
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SA-US relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation
SA-US relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that the relationship between South Africa and the United States has recently received a great deal of attention due to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In his weekly newsletter, the President assured citizens that strengthening ties between the two countries was among the important issues discussed by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, during her working visit to Washington last week, where she met with United States officials.
“The topic also featured prominently in a meeting that I had in Cape Town last month with a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress,” he wrote in his weekly letter.
He also touched on the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, which seeks to review the bilateral relationship between the two nations amid geopolitical differences that was discussed last week in the US House of Representatives’ committee.
The discussion, President Ramaphosa wrote, provides an opportunity to clarify South Africa’s positions and to correct misperceptions about the Republic's foreign policy.
“An important starting point for that discussion is that since the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa has sought, through its foreign policy, to promote peace, security and development on the African continent and across the world.”
Consistent with history, he said South Africa has taken a non-aligned position in its international relations.
“We have deliberately avoided aligning our country with any of the major powers or blocs. Rather, we have sought to forge cordial relations with all countries. While we have taken a non-aligned position, we continue to pursue positions that are in keeping with the UN [United Nations] Charter.”
He emphasised that South Africa has aimed to promote an inclusive and representative global order, strengthen multilateralism, and resolve conflicts through dialogue.
“It is in pursuit of this approach that South Africa has worked to strengthen relations with countries around the world, including the US.
“Our relationship with the US is characterised by mutual respect and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue even on issues where we may differ.”
Shifting his focus to subjects such as the docking of a Russian ship in Simonstown in late 2022, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the current conflict in Gaza, President Ramaphosa said the South African and United States governments have been able to share views in a frank and open manner.
“We have encouraged greater understanding and cooperation between ourselves as South Africa, the United States and many other countries on matters of mutual interest.”
Gaza
On the conflict in Gaza, the President acknowledged that this area has been “contentious”.
“One of the areas of contention on which there has been much commentary, as well as much misinformation, is the position that South Africa has taken on the conflict in Gaza.”
This follows a case that South Africa brought to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where the country argued that the actions of the Israeli military in Gaza violate international law and actions prohibited under the Genocide Convention, to which South Africa, Israel and many other countries are signatories.
“We have always supported the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians to self-determination and statehood, and of the state of Israel to peace and security.”
In the same breath, he said South Africa has condemned the “atrocities” committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians on 7 October last year and called for the release of hostages.
“We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and meaningful negotiations towards a lasting solution.
“These are positions that are increasingly being taken up by more and more countries around the world. The suggestion that the position we have taken on the conflict could lead to a deterioration of our relations with the United States is therefore unfounded,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said South Africa has strong economic, political and social ties with the United States and over the last three decades, the two nations continue to have a mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship.
HIV
He also expressed his gratitude to America for supporting South Africa in its fight against HIV and AIDS.
“The PEPFAR [US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief] programme has contributed significantly – and continues to contribute – to the remarkable progress we have made to deal with AIDS.”
Investment
On investments, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is home to more than 600 American companies and that the United States is the second largest destination for South African exports.
He also highlighted the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants qualifying African countries duty-free access to the United States market for their exports.
He said the recent AGOA forum held in Sandton last year confirmed its value to Africa’s industrialisation and integration and the diversification of its economies.
President Ramaphosa also welcomed the United States participation in the Just Energy Transition partnership alongside a growing number of other countries.
“There is great potential to further develop our relationship with the United States and to find ways to work together for a more peaceful, stable and just world.
“South Africa will continue to seek firm and friendly relations with countries around the world in pursuit of a better world,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:04
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Cape Town “pilgrims” walk the length of the Gaza Strip to raise awareness
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