#Justiceformuhsin: Gay Imam Remembered at Cape Town Pride
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Foreign Ministers’ Meeting backs SA’s G20 Presidency priorities
Foreign Ministers’ Meeting backs SA’s G20 Presidency priorities
The Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers have thrown their weight behind South Africa’s Presidency priorities, which focus on sustainable development and debt sustainability for low-income countries among others.
Other priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency are strengthening disaster resilience; mobilising finance for a Just Energy Transition; and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and development.
This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, who addressed the media at the conclusion of the first Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Friday.
The Minister said the two-day meeting which began on Thursday at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, was productive.
“Let me first express South Africa’s deep appreciation to you all for what has been a very productive First Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. I further thank the members of the G20 Troika, Brazil and the United States of America for their support and cooperation during our G20 Presidency,” said the Minister.
The meeting also outlined Task Force One’s focus on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality.
Task Force Two focuses on food security, while Task Force Three addresses artificial intelligence, data, governance, and sustainable development innovation.
“Furthermore, we have proposed the additional initiatives – the review of the work of the G20, a cost of capital review, a broadened compact with Africa 2.0, and an initiative on critical minerals,” said the Minister.
South Africa also took note of the fruitful discussions and inputs on the various priorities and high-level deliverables which will enrich various streams of work during 2025.
“We can assure you that all the views expressed will be considered as we progress with our work during this year. We look forward to the active participation and contributions of all your delegations,” the Minister added.
He said the Ministers reaffirmed G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation.
The gathering also stressed the G20’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the need for urgent action to accelerate efforts to reaffirm the group’s strong commitment to the SDGs in line with South Africa's theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.
The leaders also noted the impact of ongoing conflicts on economic development and the attainment of SDGs, with a focus on sustainable investments in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
“Concerning the ongoing conflicts and wars in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, the meeting reiterated that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN [United Nations] Charter.”
Guided by international law, Lamola announced that there was an agreement to support all efforts towards a just peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other major conflicts around the globe.
The leaders also touched on the importance of elevating African voices in the G20 and addressing pressing global challenges.
READ | SA expresses concern over conflict situations
The Minister also underscored the need to reform the international system of global governance, inclusive of the international financial architecture, the multilateral trading system, and the multilateral development banks.
The meeting “further stressed the need to reform the United Nations to make it fit for purpose and relevant to the current international reality. This includes the Security Council.”
Also under discussion was the importance of multilateralism, the need for the reform of the UN and the upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Seville, Spain and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP) in Belém, Brazil.
“South Africa undertook to present a four-stage roadmap of this proposed G20 review, including a briefing on the proposed approach and survey methodology which will involve the participation of G20 members, guest countries and invited stakeholders.”
According to the Minister, the final report will be presented for adoption at the final G20 Sherpa meeting taking place from 16 to 19 November 2025.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the opening of the meeting on Thursday where he urged global leaders to embrace inclusivity, cooperation and reform as South Africa steers the Presidency of the G20 for the first time.
READ | Call for global solidarity at G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
– SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/21/2025 - 18:22
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Human Rights Council to Hold Its Fifty-Eighth Regular Session
The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold its fifty-eighth regular session from 24 February to 4 April 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, starting with its high-level segment from 24 to 26 February, when dignitaries representing more than 100 Member States will address the Council.
The session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February under the Presidency of Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland. Delivering statements at the opening will be the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres; thePresident of the United Nations General Assembly, Philemon Yang; the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk; as well as the Chief of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis. The Council will be meeting in room XX of the Palais des Nations.
On Monday, 3 March, the Council is scheduled to hear a global update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights around the world. The general debate on his global update will start following his presentation of a number of country-specific reports and updates.
During the session, the Council will hold 30 interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner, his Office and designated experts, with Special Procedure mandate holders and investigative mechanisms, and with Special Representatives of the Secretary-General. The Council will also hold five enhanced interactive dialogues and one high-level dialogue, as well as nine general debates.
The Council will also hold theannual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming with a focus on the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action;the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty; panel discussions on early warning and genocide, HIV response and leaving no one behind, and onrights to work and to social security; the annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities; the annual discussion on the rights of the child; and a commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Council will examine the situation of human rights in a number of countries under its various agenda items, including the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Nicaragua, Afghanistan and Myanmar under agenda item two; in Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, Belarus, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Myanmar under agenda item four; and in Mali, Haiti, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Central African Republic under agenda item 10.
The final outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of14 States will also be considered, namely those of Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua.
Towards the end of the session, the Council will appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
A detailed agenda and further information on the fifty-eighth session can be found on the session'swebpage. Reports to be presented are available here.
First Week of the Session
The fifty-eighth regular session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February with a short opening meeting, followed by the start of the high-level segment, which will continue until 26 February, and during which the Council will hear addresses by more than 100 dignitaries. Intervening during the high-level segment will be the annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming in the afternoon of 24 February and the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty in the morning of Tuesday, 25 February. The general segment will follow the conclusion of the high-level segment in the afternoon of Wednesday, 26 February.
On Thursday, 27 February, the Council will hold an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice, followed byenhanced interactive dialogues on the situation of human rights in Eritrea and on the High Commissioner's report on Sudan, with the assistance of the designated Expert. Friday, 28 February, will see the conclusion of the discussion on Sudan, followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. This will be followed by three interactive dialogues, the first on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, the second with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and the third on the High Commissioner's oral update on Myanmar.
Second Week of the Session
At the beginning of the second week, on the morning of Monday, 3 March, the Council will hear the High Commissioner's global update, then conclude the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral update on Myanmar. This will be followed by the presentation of reports on the activities of the Office of the High Commissioner in Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras, and of another report on Cyprus, and oral updates on Sri Lanka and Nicaragua. The Council will then begin the general debate under agenda item two, namely the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General, which will conclude on Tuesday, 4 March. The Council will subsequently begin its considerations under agenda item three on the promotion and protection of all human rights, holding interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.
On the morning of Wednesday, 5 March, the Council will hold a panel on early warning and genocide prevention, then conclude its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. This will be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on transitional justice. Another panel will be held on Thursday, 6 March on HIV response and leaving no one behind, in addition to two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. A third panel will be held in the morning of Friday, 7 March on rights to work and to social security, followed by two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing and the Independent Expert on the rights of persons with albinism.
Third Week of the Session
The Council will start its third week on Monday, 10 March with a focus on disability, beginning with an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, to be followed by the annual debate on the rights of persons with disabilities. The day will conclude with aninteractive dialogue with the Independent Expert on foreign debt, which will continue in the morning of Tuesday, 11 March. Two moreinteractive dialogues will also be held on Tuesday with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
Wednesday, 12 March will see a further three interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, and the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on violence against children and on children and armed conflict, the latter of which will conclude on Thursday, 13 March. The focus on children will continue on Thursday, with the Council also holding its annual discussion on the rights of the child, the theme of which will be early childhood development, and starting an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, which will conclude on Friday, 14 March.
On Friday, an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment will precede the presentation of reports by the open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner and his Office, followed by the start of the general debate on agenda item three.
Fourth Week of the Session
The first day of the Council's fourth week, Monday 17 March, will be devoted to concluding the general debate on agenda item three. From Tuesday, 18 March, consideration of agenda item four, human rights situations that require the Council's attention, will begin. First on the schedule is a joint interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and the independent international fact-finding mission on the situation of human rights in Iran, followed by interactive dialogues with the independent international commission of inquiry on Syria, the fact-finding mission on Venezuela and the independent internationalcommission of inquiry on Ukraine.
On Wednesday, 19 March, after the conclusion of the dialogue with the commission of inquiry on Ukraine, three more separate interactive dialogues will be held with the group of independent experts on the situation of human rights inBelarus and with the Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and in Myanmar.
Thursday, 20 March, will see the Council hear the presentation of the High Commissioner's report on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and his oral update of the situation of human rights in Venezuela. This will be followed by the general debate on agenda item four, which will conclude on the morning of Friday, 21 March. On Friday, the Council will also hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, before beginning considerations under agenda item five on human rights bodies and mechanisms. After hearing the presentation of reports by the Forum on Minority Issues, the Social Forum, and the Special Procedures of the Council, it will commence the general debate on agenda item five.
Fifth Week of the Session
The Council will start its fifth week on Monday, 24 March with its consideration under agenda item six of the final outcomes of theUniversal Periodic Reviews of 14 States: Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua. This consideration will continue through to the morning of Wednesday, 26 March, after which the Council will hold a general debate on agenda item six. This will be followed by the presentation of the reports of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General under agenda item seven, namely the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, and the general debate on this agenda item. The general debate under agenda item eight - follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action – is also scheduled to commence on Wednesday afternoon.
Ending racism will be the Council's theme for Thursday, 27 March. After concluding the debate under agenda item eight, it will hear the presentation of the report of the intergovernmental working group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, then hold its general debate on agenda item nine, namely racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Council will also hold a meeting in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Friday, 28 March will begin with the conclusion of the debate under agenda item nine, followed by three interactive dialogues conducted under agenda item 10 on technical assistance and capacity-building. The first dialogue will be with the Independent Expert onthe situation of human rights in Mali; the second on the High Commissioner's report on the situation of human rights in Haiti, with the participation of the Independent Expert on the subject; and the third on the High Commissioner's oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.
Sixth Week of the Session
Monday, 31 March is a United Nations holiday. On Tuesday, 1 April, the Council will hold an enhanced interactive dialogue on oral updates by the High Commissioner and by the team of international experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by an interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on technical assistance and capacity building for South Sudan and a high-level dialogue on the Central African Republic. At the end of the day, the Council will hear the annual presentation of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and his oral update on Georgia, and the presentation of the report of the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation, followed by the general debate on agenda item 10.
The general debate will conclude on Wednesday, 2 April, and the Council will then start to act on draft decisions and resolutions, appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and adopt the report of the fifty-eighth regular session, before closing the session on Friday, 4 April.
The Human Rights Council
The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, made up of 47 States, which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 March 2006 with the main purpose of addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.
The composition of the Human Rights Council at its fifty-eighth session is as follows: Albania (2026); Algeria (2025); Bangladesh (2025); Belgium (2025); Benin (2027); Bolivia (2027); Brazil (2026); Bulgaria (2026); Burundi (2026); Chile (2025); China (2026); Colombia (2027); Costa Rica (2025); Côte d'Ivoire (2026); Cuba (2026); Cyprus (2027); Czechia (2027); Democratic Republic of the Congo (2027); Dominican Republic (2026); Ethiopia (2027); France (2026); Gambia (2027); Georgia (2025); Germany (2025); Ghana (2026); Iceland (2027); Indonesia (2026); Japan (2026); Kenya (2027); Kuwait (2026); Kyrgyzstan (2025); Malawi (2026); Maldives (2025); Marshall Islands (2027); Mexico (2027); Morocco (2025); Netherlands (2026); North Macedonia (2027); Qatar (2027); Republic of Korea (2027); Romania (2025); South Africa (2025); Spain (2027); Sudan (2025); Switzerland (2027); Thailand (2027); and Viet Nam (2025).
The term of membership of each State expires in the year indicated in parentheses.
The President of the Human Rights Council in 2025 is Jürg Lauber (Switzerland). The four Vice-Presidents are Tareq Md Ariful Islam (Bangladesh), Razvan Rusu (Romania), Paul Empole Losoko Efambe (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and a fourth Vice-President to be elected later from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Mr. Efambe will also serve as Rapporteur of the Geneva-based body.
The dates and venue of the fifty-eighth session are subject to change.
Information on the fifty-eighth session can be foundhere, including the annotated agenda and the reports to be presented.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Protest at Medical Conference Against Israeli Speaker
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G20 provides opportunity to drive developmental agenda
G20 provides opportunity to drive developmental agenda
South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) presents a unique opportunity not only for the country itself, but also for the African continent and the Global South to foster greater economic growth for all.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered the State of the Nation Address to a joint sitting of Parliament in Cape Town on Thursday evening.
South Africa is the first African country to hold the Presidency of the world’s premier economic cooperation grouping following the admission of the African Union as a G20 member.
For its Presidency, South Africa has chosen the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development” which, President Ramaphosa explained, underscores the “need for cooperation and partnership among the countries of the world”.
“It is an opportunity to place the needs of Africa and the rest of the Global South more firmly on the international development agenda.
“Our G20 Presidency is a valuable opportunity for South Africa to advance efforts towards greater global economic growth and sustainable development,” he said.
‘Inextricably bound’
President Ramaphosa told the gathering that “Africa remains at the centre of our foreign policy” and emphasised that Africa’s and, by extension South Africa’s, growth and success depends on continental peace.
“We continue to work to strengthen the African Union to support the achievement of peace, development and economic integration on the continent.
“We know that our future prosperity is inextricably bound to the prosperity of the African continent. For Africa to thrive, we must silence the guns on the continent,” he said.
For the past 30 years, South Africa has been involved in “restoring stability” in countries across the continent – most recently in Mozambique and the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“[We] have been part of the SADC [Southern African Development Community] peacekeeping mission in Mozambique that has brought relative calm and stability to the Cabo Delgado province.
“The presence of South African peacekeepers in the eastern DRC is testament to our continued commitment to the peaceful resolution of one of the world’s most intractable conflicts, which has cost millions of lives and displaced millions of people,” he said.
Regarding conflict in the DRC, President Ramaphosa urged parties in that war to “embrace the current diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution, including honouring the Luanda Process”.
“We will attend the Joint Summit between SADC and the East African Community scheduled to take place in Tanzania this weekend, where we will reiterate our call for a ceasefire and a resumption of talks to find a just and enduring solution,” he said.
READ | President Ramaphosa to participate in joint SADC – EAC summit on the DRC
Global solidarity
The President reminded South Africans that the country’s own democracy was won from the brutal hands of the Apartheid regime with the help of international solidarity.
He emphasised that this “imposes a duty on us to support the struggles of those who continue to experience colonialism and oppression” and highlighted the country’s work on the international stage in this regard.
“South Africa continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, who, having endured decades of illegal occupation, are now experiencing indescribable suffering.
“We continue to participate in the different peace processes seeking to bring about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
“South Africa continues to advance its agenda of cooperation and multilateralism through its membership of the United Nations, African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement and BRICS group of countries."
The President noted that this work and “what we stand for needs to be explained to many key players, especially to our trading partners and the many countries and leaders we interact with on the global stage”.
“With a view to explaining the many positions that we have taken and in particular the objectives we wish to achieve during our Presidency of the G20, I have decided to send a delegation of government and other leaders to various capitals on our continent and across the world.
“This delegation will interact with various key players on a variety of matters that affect South Africa’s interests,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 22:32
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Condolences for former US President Jimmy Carter
Condolences for former US President Jimmy Carter
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described former United States of America President Jimmy Carter as a compassionate leader and a champion of human rights following his passing at the weekend.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former United States President Jimmy Carter who we remember as an outstanding, compassionate leader and champion of human rights and peace globally,” he said in a post on X.
According to CNN, the former President passed away at the age of 100 in Georgia on Sunday.
In his reflection of the former President of the US, President Ramaphosa said Carter was an outspoken critic of the apartheid state at a time when the regime was trying to ingratiate itself with influential economies around the world and justify its inhumane policies.
“Among his many distinguished roles, President Carter holds a special place in our history as a member of The Elders, a collective of global leaders brought together on President Nelson Mandela’s 89th birthday in 2007 to be independent moral voices for peace and leadership.
“President Carter’s record includes his engagement in diverse peace negotiations around the world and his unequivocal categorisation of the denial of fundamental human rights and statehood to the people of Palestine as a manifestation of apartheid,” said President Ramaphosa on Monday.
He added that the former statesman justly deserved the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for “his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development”.
“We celebrate his legacy, his extended lifetime and his enduring ideas. May his soul rest in peace,” said the President in his post. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 12/30/2024 - 14:07
115 views
Protest Opposite Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Cape Town: Call for Ceasefire in Gaza
The picket marked the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide
SA, Algeria strengthen ties
SA, Algeria strengthen ties
South Africa and Algeria have concluded a successful 7th session of the Bi-National Commission, marking a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently led a delegation comprising Ministers, senior officials and business leaders in Algeria for a State visit at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
South Africa and Algeria enjoy strong political, economic, and social relations following the establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994.
Speaking during a media briefing on Friday, President Ramaphosa said the outcomes of this session have paved the way for further cooperation, demonstrating the strong commitment of South Africa and Algeria to advancing the African continent's collective goals.
“From our discussions, we are certain that this Bi-National Commission will continue to deepen collaboration, trade, investment and people-to-people exchange between South Africa and Algeria.
“President Tebboune and I were extremely satisfied with the detailed report that was presented on progress in the key areas of cooperation between Algeria and South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said the Bi-National Commission is seen as a mechanism to expand trade and investment ties between the two countries.
While there is currently a healthy volume of bilateral trade, the two Heads of State agreed that this should be far higher.
“With preferential trading now having commenced under the African Continental Free Trade Area, there is even greater opportunity to deepen intra-African trade and strengthen economic linkages between major African economies.
“We have a shared conviction that deepening our bilateral relationship should serve the cause of African economic integration, shared prosperity, stability and peace,” he said.
With the Algeria-South Africa Business Forum having taken place on Thursday, President Ramaphosa said it was an important opportunity for Algerian and South African businesses to explore synergies and plan projects.
South Africa had a sizeable business delegation spanning a range of economic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, construction and mining.
“We also have representatives from our Industrial Development Corporation, who are here to pursue investment leads the corporation could potentially fund.
“President Tebboune and I agreed that potential exists for cooperation on low-carbon economic growth in areas such as renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. South Africa and Algeria have respective comparative advantages that can be harnessed for mutual benefit,” he said.
Addressing Geopolitical Challenges
Against the backdrop of rising global geopolitical tensions, President Ramaphosa briefed President Tebboune on South Africa’s case before the International Court of Justice to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. Both leaders reiterated their call for an end to hostilities, the release of hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
“South Africa and Algeria agree that the only lasting solution to this conflict is the realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
“As countries that have known the pain of occupation and dispossession, we stand in solidarity with the oppressed everywhere, including in Palestine and Western Sahara,” President Ramaphosa said.
As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy, President Ramaphosa extended his gratitude to the noble people of Algeria for standing with the country in its struggle for liberation. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 12/06/2024 - 16:17
448 views
SA- Nigeria conclude successful Bi-National Commission
SA- Nigeria conclude successful Bi-National Commission
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have paid tribute to the existing deep fraternal relations between the two nations.
In a joint communique on the 11th session of the South Africa - Nigeria Bi-National Commission on Tuesday, the two Heads of State and Government once more acknowledged the strong support that Nigeria provided to the liberation movements in South Africa during South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
President Tinubu was in South Africa for a working visit at the invitation of President Ramaphosa to co-chair the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries.
READ | South Africa and Nigeria strengthen ties
The BNC was preceded by a meeting of Senior Officials on 28 and 29 November 2024 and the Ministers Meeting on 02 December 2024.
READ | SA eyes increased trade relations with Nigeria
The 11th Session of the BNC also marked the 30th anniversary of formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“The two Heads of State and Government renewed their commitment to work closely to broaden and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relationship in a manner that enhances strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. In this regard, the Heads of State and Government directed the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deepen their cooperation in the context of the BNC,” the joint communique read.
The Heads of State and Government acknowledged the more than 34 Agreements covering various sectors which have been signed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1994.
“The two leaders underscored the need to urgently finalise the MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] on the Early Warning Mechanism. To this end, it was agreed that the MoU will be signed, no later than March 2025, during the visit of the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria, for Political Consultations.
“The two leaders also welcomed the ongoing negotiations to conclude other new agreements,” the communique said.
Investment
The Heads of State also welcomed the high levels of economic cooperation between the two countries. In this regard, they welcomed the significant investments of South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged corresponding Nigerian investments in the South African economy.
The leaders recognised the need for the two countries to create an enabling business environment in both countries.
“The two leaders agreed to encourage cooperation and partnership between private and public entities for investment in mining, infrastructure development in rail, road, ports, amongst others. In this regard Nigeria invited South Africa’s Development Finance Institutions to partner with Nigeria in co-financing infrastructure projects,” the communique read.
The leaders further made a commitment to work towards increased and balanced trade between the two countries by utilising the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Both South Africa and Nigeria have ratified the AfCFTA.
Addressing mutual challenges
The two countries also agree to collaborate on programmes that address mutual challenges in food and nutrition security, strengthening meaningful digital connectivity, taking leadership in the development of artificial intelligence, expanding digital literacy initiatives, as well as prioritising data protection and online safety for all citizens.
The two leaders welcomed the convening of the South Africa-Nigeria business roundtable held on the margins of the 11th session of the BNC during which they had an opportunity to address and engage with Chief Executives of companies from both countries.
“The Heads of State and Government also exchanged views on regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern. Nigeria highlighted its efforts and those of ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] in fostering and promoting peace and security in West Africa. South Africa also outlined efforts undertaken by the Southern African Development Community [SADC] in supporting peace initiatives in both the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Mozambique”.
The delegations also underscored the need to redouble efforts to realise the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 Aspiration to “Silence the Guns”.
In this regard, the Heads of State and Government expressed concern at the devastating conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and property and a humanitarian crisis.
The Heads of State and Government also reflected on the upcoming elections for the leadership of the African Union Commission and underscored the need for the election of the leadership that would be responsive to the challenges facing the African continent.
International developments
“The two countries further exchanged views on international developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and called for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased access to humanitarian aid.
“The Heads of State and Government reiterated their principled position that the only long-lasting solution to the resolution of the conflict, is to advance a two-State solution where Israel will exist side by side in peace and harmony with a viable and fully independent Palestinian State. Nigeria commended South Africa for taking the case of Israel and Palestine to the International Court of Justice,” the communique read.
Similarly, the Heads of State and Government agreed to intensify support for the cause of Western Sahara for self-determination, freedom, and justice.
Reforms
“The two Heads of State and Government further renewed their call for a responsive international system of governance through a reformed United Nations Security Council, respect for and promotion of universal human rights in a just and equitable world,” the communique said.
South Africa congratulated Nigeria on the re-appointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation. South Africa and Nigeria agreed to work closely together in international organizations.
G20
Meanwhile, Nigeria congratulated South Africa on its assumption of the G20 Presidency from 01 December 2024 and commended South Africa on its priorities which address inclusive economic growth, industrialisation and the reduction of inequality, food security and artificial intelligence, data governance and innovation.
Agenda 2063
The Heads of State and Government further committed to working closely with the African Union and each other to advance the African Agenda in pursuit of the implementation of Agenda 2063.
According to the AU, Agenda 2063 is Africa's development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period.
At the end of the 11th Session of the BNC, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to President Ramaphosa, for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation since their arrival in Cape Town. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 12/04/2024 - 10:37
751 views
Minister Simelane to attend annual gathering of States Parties of ICC
Minister Simelane to attend annual gathering of States Parties of ICC
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane will represent South Africa at the 23rd Session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the World Forum Convention Centre in The Hague this week.
The ASP is the ICC’s principal management and legislative body, comprising all States Parties that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute.
“The session will bring together Heads of State, government Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Ambassadors from ICC States Parties. The ASP convenes annually to discuss and decide on critical matters concerning the future functioning of the court, including the election of officials, resource allocation, the court’s work, strengthening cooperation and policy development,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said.
The ASP is scheduled to take place from 2 to 7 December 2024.
While the outcomes of each assembly session vary depending on the specific issues addressed, the session consistently tackles recurring themes.
Since 2003, the assembly has adopted a resolution on “Strengthening the International Criminal Court and the Assembly of States Parties”.
“Importantly, the annual gathering of States Parties serves as a powerful symbol of unwavering support for the court and provides a platform for states to renew and strengthen their cooperation with the ICC and its various organs.
“In light of recent developments, particularly the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, fostering a collective approach to international law and upholding globally agreed norms and standards on international law and human rights is more crucial than ever,” the department said.
The deliberations at this year’s assembly will address pressing challenges, including political pressures, state cooperation and the need for reform and enhanced effectiveness of the ICC.
“Minister Simelane’s participation provides a vital opportunity to advocate for greater accountability for international crimes and further South Africa’s position on human rights, justice, and reform within the global justice system,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 12/01/2024 - 11:28
57 views
South Africa Condemns IDF Massacres of 100 Palestinians in Gaza in Past 24 Hours
South Africa condemns in the strongest possible terms the heinous massacres committed by the Israeli Defence Force across Gaza yesterday, which killed approximately 100 Palestinians, mostly women and children. In one of the massacres, 75 Palestinians from two families were killed in air strikes on two homes in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia. Israel prevented ambulances and rescue teams from reaching the site of the massacre and denied journalists entry for hours.
The head of the intensive care unit in the Kamal Adwan hospital, Dr Ahmad Kahlut, was killed in the Israeli attacks in northern Gaza. According to the authorities in Gaza, hunger and suffering among Palestinians have reached “catastrophic” levels.
South Africa calls on Israel to end its genocidal aggression, forced displacement and starvation of the Palestinian people as a method of warfare in the Gaza Strip.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to ensure the immediate and urgent entry of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Gaza Strip pursuant to the UNSC Resolution 2735, which calls for an immediate, full and complete ceasefire, and enable the State of Palestine to assume its full responsibilities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Government of SA on the Commemoration of the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
The South African Government joins the international community in commemorating the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, as well as renewing South Africa's shared commitment to a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine.
This year, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald O. Lamola will participate in the event and will witness the unveiling of a memorial dedicated to the late Leader of Palestine, President Yasser Arafat. Minister Lamola will also be bestowed the Order of the Star of Merit on behalf of the President of the State of Palestine, HE Mahmoud Abbas, for his continued role in support of the Palestinian cause from his tenure as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development for his leading role at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) when South Africa brought the case of genocide against Israel.
The question of Palestine remains unresolved after 75 years. The Palestinian question remains at the core of tensions in the Middle East. In this regard, this occasion provides us with a crucial opportunity to reflect and take stock of the plight of the people of Palestine.
On this day, South Africa once again calls on the State of Israel to realise that the only way to achieve peace is a two-state solution, where Israel will be able to exist side-by-side in peace with a viable and fully independent Palestinian State, within internationally recognised parameters.
South Africa remains resolute in its commitment to continue strengthening the bond of long-standing solidarity, friendship, and cooperation with Palestine and calls upon the international community to work tirelessly for the attainment of peace and provide strong humanitarian, economic and political support.
In keeping with South Africa's long-term and principled support for the Palestinian people, the Government of South Africa remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at refocusing the international agenda on Palestine and a revived Middle East peace process. In the context of the Israeli illegal occupation of Palestine and daily atrocities being committed, South Africa reiterates our appeal for an immediate cease-fire in Palestine and Lebanon, and the start of a political process to ensure a just and lasting peace.
The international community must work tirelessly in assisting the Palestinian people to achieve their aspirations of freedom, justice, and an independent Palestinian State.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Justice Minister welcomes ICC warrants of arrest for Israel, Hamas leaders
Justice Minister welcomes ICC warrants of arrest for Israel, Hamas leaders
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Thembi Simelane, has welcomed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders.
The ICC’s pretrial chamber issued the warrants on Thursday afternoon.
“This step by the ICC is a vindication of South Africa’s position, which has been canvassed extensively before the International Court of Justice. The international community can no longer ignore the glaring evidence of genocide and systemic violations of international law in Gaza.
“No individual, government official, or even a nation-state is considered to be above the rules established by international laws and conventions. The ICC’s action sends a powerful message that accountability is not optional but a cornerstone of a just and equitable global order,” Simelane said.
The department described the issuance as a “critical moment in addressing decades of impunity surrounding serious violations in Palestine”.
“[The] ICC’s findings provide compelling evidence that both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant intentionally deprived the civilian population of Gaza of essential resources, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. Their actions, which obstructed humanitarian aid and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, constitute serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
“South Africa, alongside other nations, has consistently called for accountability to address the atrocities committed against Palestinians.
“The Minister emphasised that South Africa’s submissions to the ICJ have strengthened the case that the Israeli state’s actions meet the definition of genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
“This advocacy reflects South Africa’s unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law,” the department said.
It called on the international community to speak out against the suffering of the Palestinian people.
“As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and the commencement of a political process to secure a just and lasting peace in the region.
“The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing suffering of innocent civilians, including women, children, and humanitarian workers.
“South Africa will continue to advocate for justice for the people of Palestine in all international forums, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and their rights protected,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 11/22/2024 - 09:14
404 views
Justice Minister welcomes ICC warrants of arrest for Israel, Hamas leaders
Justice Minister welcomes ICC warrants of arrest for Israel, Hamas leaders
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Thembi Simelane, has welcomed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders.
The ICC’s pretrial chamber issued the warrants on Thursday afternoon.
“This step by the ICC is a vindication of South Africa’s position, which has been canvassed extensively before the International Court of Justice. The international community can no longer ignore the glaring evidence of genocide and systemic violations of international law in Gaza.
“No individual, government official, or even a nation-state is considered to be above the rules established by international laws and conventions. The ICC’s action sends a powerful message that accountability is not optional but a cornerstone of a just and equitable global order,” Simelane said.
The department described the issuance as a “critical moment in addressing decades of impunity surrounding serious violations in Palestine”.
“[The] ICC’s findings provide compelling evidence that both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant intentionally deprived the civilian population of Gaza of essential resources, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. Their actions, which obstructed humanitarian aid and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, constitute serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
“South Africa, alongside other nations, has consistently called for accountability to address the atrocities committed against Palestinians.
“The Minister emphasised that South Africa’s submissions to the ICJ have strengthened the case that the Israeli state’s actions meet the definition of genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
“This advocacy reflects South Africa’s unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law,” the department said.
It called on the international community to speak out against the suffering of the Palestinian people.
“As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and the commencement of a political process to secure a just and lasting peace in the region.
“The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing suffering of innocent civilians, including women, children, and humanitarian workers.
“South Africa will continue to advocate for justice for the people of Palestine in all international forums, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and their rights protected,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 11/22/2024 - 09:14
404 views
Significant step towards justice for crimes against humanity
Significant step towards justice for crimes against humanity
The South African Government has expressed its support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant, and Mohammed Deif of Hamas.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, these actions represent a significant advancement towards justice for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Palestine.
“South Africa reaffirms its commitment to international law and urges all state parties to act in accordance with their obligations in the Rome Statute.
“We call on the global community to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability for human rights violations,” the department said.
According to the ICC, the judges have confirmed that, based on the evidence presented, there are reasonable grounds to believe that crimes outlined in the Rome Statute have been committed.
The judges of the ICC have determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Gallant have committed the war crime of using starvation as a method of warfare.
They are also accused of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts, acting as direct perpetrators in coordination with others.
“The chamber also found reasonable grounds to believe that they are each responsible for the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against civilians as a superior,” the ICC statement read.
Judges found reasonable grounds to believe that Hamas commander Al-Masri, also known as Deif, is responsible for crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.
The ICC Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, expressed deep concern about reports of escalating violence, diminishing humanitarian access, and the continued rise of allegations regarding international crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.
“We will continue to carry out our mandate to fulfill the fundamental commitment forming the basis of the Rome Statute: that the lives of all human beings have equal value,” Khan added.
The ICC investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crimes of aggression. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/22/2024 - 12:41
45 views
ICC Pre-trial Chamber I Issues Warrants of Arrest for Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (Deif)
Today, on 21 November 2024, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (‘Court') (www.ICC-cpi.int), in its composition for the Situation in the State of Palestine, unanimously issued a warrant of arrest for Mr Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, commonly known as ‘Deif', for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed on the territory of the State of Israel and the State of Palestine from at least 7 October 2023.
The Prosecution had initially filed applications for warrants of arrest for two other senior leaders of Hamas, namely Mr Ismail Haniyeh and Mr Yahya Sinwar. Following confirmation of their deaths, the Chamber granted the withdrawal of the applications on 9 August 2024 and 25 October 2024, respectively. With respect to Mr Deif, the Prosecution indicated that it would continue to gather information with respect to his reported death. On 15 November 2024, the Prosecution, referring to information from both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, notified the Chamber that it is not in a position to determine whether Mr Deif has been killed or remains alive. Therefore, the Chamber issues the present warrant of arrest. The Prosecution also noted that it continues to investigate the crimes in the ongoing conflict and envisions that further applications for warrants of arrest will be submitted.
The warrant of arrest for Mr Deif is classified as ‘secret' in order to protect witnesses and to safeguard the conduct of investigations. However, the Chamber decided to release the information below since conduct similar to that addressed in the warrant of arrest appears to be ongoing, in particular the holding of a number of hostages captive. The Chamber considers it is also in the interest of victims and their families to be aware of the warrant's existence.
The Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Deif, born in 1965, the highest commander of the military wing of Hamas (known as the al-Qassam Brigades) at the time of the alleged conduct, is responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder; extermination; torture; and rape and other form of sexual violence; as well as the war crimes of murder, cruel treatment, torture,; taking hostages; outrages upon personal dignity; and rape and other form of sexual violence.
The Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Deif bears criminal responsibility for the aforementioned crimes for (i) having committed the acts jointly and through others and (ii) having ordered or induced the commission of the crimes, and (iii) for his failure to exercise proper control over forces under his effective command and control.
The Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that during the relevant time, international humanitarian law related to international armed conflict (between Israel and Palestine) and non-international armed conflict (between Israel and Hamas) applied. The Chamber also found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the crimes against humanity were part of a widespread and systematic attack directed by Hamas and other armed groups against the civilian population of Israel.
Alleged crimes
With regard to the crimes, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that on 7 October 2023, shortly after a large number of rockets triggered the ‘Tzeva Adom' alarm in several communities in Israel around 6:20-6:30 am, armed men entered these communities, as well as the site of the Supernova festival, a music event with a few thousand participants (‘7 October Operation'). Members of Hamas, notably fighters of the al-Qassam Brigades, carried out mass killings at and/or around the communities of Kfar Aza, Holit, Nir Oz, Be'eri, and Nahal Oz, as well as at the Supernova festival. The attackers, for example, fired at people while they were seeking shelter and throw grenades at them. Hamas fighters followed similar patterns in other locations and killed further persons. These killings qualify as the crime against humanity and the war crime of murder.
The Chamber also found that in some locations, namely at the site of the Supernova festival and in the vicinity thereof, attackers fired at people with semi-automatic weapons and/or rocket-propelled grenades. In light of this, the Chamber concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against civilians was committed.
In light of the coordinated killings of members of civilians at several separate locations, the Chamber also found that the conduct took place as part of a mass killing of members of the civilian population, and it therefore concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the crime against humanity of extermination was committed.
Furthermore, in the context of 7 October Operation, the Chamber found that a large number of persons were seized from various locations in Israel, including Kfar Aza, Holit, Nir Oz, Be'eri, Nahal Oz, and the Supernova festival. The victims were civilians, including children and elderly people, as well as members of the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces). After being taken to Gaza, most of them were detained in secret locations, including apartments and underground tunnels. A number of groups participated in seizing and detaining these persons: the al-Qassam Brigades, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad al-Quds, and other Palestinian armed groups. The Chamber found that Hamas was in control of the hostages as of the start of their detention in Gaza, irrespective of the group affiliation of the individuals initially seizing the hostages. The Chamber also found that hostage taking in the context of the 7 October Operation was conducted with the aim to negotiate their release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. In light of the above, the Chamber considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the war crime of hostage taking was committed.
The Chamber further found that, while they were held captive in Gaza, some hostages, predominantly women, were subjected to sexual and gender based violence, including forced penetration, forced nudity, and humiliating and degrading treatment. On the basis of the material presented, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that the crimes of torture as a crime against humanity and war crime, rape and other forms of sexual violence as crimes against humanity and war crimes, cruel treatment as a war crime, and outrages upon personal dignity as a war crime were committed against these persons during the relevant period.
With respect to Mr Deif's individual criminal responsibility, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that senior leaders of Hamas, comprising of at least Mr Deif, Mr Sinwar, and Mr Haniyeh, agreed to jointly carry out the 7 October 2023 Operation. The plan included targeting military and civilian objects in Israel and other acts of violence against Israeli persons. The material presented by the Prosecution indicated that several senior members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad al-Quds joined the plan in the morning of 7 October 2023 at the latest, and that other Palestinians armed groups participated in the Operation.
Mr Deif, in his role as the commander of the al-Qassam Brigades, and through his actions prior to, during and after the 7 October Operation, is responsible for the commission of these crimes. In addition, the Chamber considered that Mr Deif ordered or induced the crimes or is responsible as a military commander for the criminal conduct of his subordinates.
Background
On 1 January 2015, The State of Palestine lodged a declaration under article 12(3) of the Rome Statute accepting jurisdiction of the Court since 13 June 2014.
On 2 January 2015, The State of Palestine acceded to the Rome Statute by depositing its instrument of accession with the UN Secretary-General. The Rome Statute entered into force for The State of Palestine on 1 April 2015.
On 22 May 2018, pursuant to articles 13(a) and 14 of the Rome Statute, The State of Palestine referred to the Prosecutor the Situation since 13 June 2014, with no end date.
On 3 March 2021, the Prosecutor announced the opening of the investigation into the Situation in the State of Palestine. This followed Pre-Trial Chamber I's decision (https://apo-opa.co/3OlxLKY) on 5 February 2021 that the Court could exercise its criminal jurisdiction in the Situation and, by majority, that the territorial scope of this jurisdiction extends to Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
On 17 November 2023, the Office of the Prosecutor received a further referral of the Situation in the State of Palestine, from South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti, and on 18 January 2024, the Republic of Chile and the United Mexican State additionally submitted a referral to the Prosecutor with respect to the situation in The State of Palestine.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Criminal Court (ICC).
For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: fadi.el-abdallah@icc-cpi.int
You can also follow the Court's activities on Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3OlxMP2), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4eFN6k7), Tumblr (https://apo-opa.co/3OlxOq8), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3OhQUgL), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/490pm92) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3Zjr560)
ICC Pre-trial Chamber I Rejects the State of Israel’s Challenges to Jurisdiction and Issues Warrants of Arrest for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant
Today, on 21 November 2024, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (‘Court') (www.ICC-cpi.int), in its composition for the Situation in the State of Palestine, unanimously issued two decisions rejecting challenges by the State of Israel (‘Israel') brought under articles 18 and 19 of the Rome Statute (the ‘Statute'). It also issued warrants of arrest for Mr Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr Yoav Gallant.
Decisions on requests by the State of Israel
The Chamber ruled on two requests submitted by the Israel on 26 September 2024. In the first request, Israel challenged the Court's jurisdiction over the Situation in the State of Palestine in general, and over Israeli nationals more specifically, on the basis of article 19(2) of the Statute. In the second request, Israel requested that the Chamber order the Prosecution to provide a new notification of the initiation of an investigation to its authorities under article 18(1) of the Statute. Israel also requested the Chamber to halt any proceedings before the Court in the relevant situation, including the consideration of the applications for warrants of arrest for Mr Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr Yoav Gallant, submitted by the Prosecution on 20 May 2024.
As to the first challenge, the Chamber noted that the acceptance by Israel of the Court's jurisdiction is not required, as the Court can exercise its jurisdiction on the basis of territorial jurisdiction of Palestine, as determined by Pre-Trial Chamber I in a previous composition. Furthermore, the Chamber considered that pursuant to article 19(1) of the Statute, States are not entitled to challenge the Court's jurisdiction under article 19(2) prior to the issuance of a warrant of arrest. Thus Israel's challenge is premature. This is without prejudice to any future possible challenges to the Court's jurisdiction and/or admissibility of any particular case.
Decision on Israel's challenge to the jurisdiction of the Court pursuant to article 19(2) of the Rome Statute (https://apo-opa.co/4i2p05M)
The Chamber also rejected Israel's request under article 18(1) of the Statute. The Chamber recalled that the Prosecution notified Israel of the initiation of an investigation in 2021. At that time, despite a clarification request by the Prosecution, Israel elected not to pursue any request for deferral of the investigation. Further, the Chamber considered that the parameters of the investigation in the situation have remained the same and, as a consequence, no new notification to the State of Israel was required. In light of this, the judges found that there was no reason to halt the consideration of the applications for warrants of arrest.
Decision on Israel's request for an order to the Prosecution to give an Article 18(1) notice (https://apo-opa.co/40Y6DsN)
Warrants of arrest
The Chamber issued warrants of arrest for two individuals, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024, the day the Prosecution filed the applications for warrants of arrest.
The arrest warrants are classified as ‘secret', in order to protect witnesses and to safeguard the conduct of the investigations. However, the Chamber decided to release the information below since conduct similar to that addressed in the warrant of arrest appears to be ongoing. Moreover, the Chamber considers it to be in the interest of victims and their families that they are made aware of the warrants' existence.
At the outset, the Chamber considered that the alleged conduct of Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant falls within the jurisdiction of the Court. The Chamber recalled that, in a previous composition, it already decided that the Court's jurisdiction in the situation extended to Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Furthermore, the Chamber declined to use its discretionary proprio motu powers to determine the admissibility of the two cases at this stage. This is without prejudice to any determination as to the jurisdiction and admissibility of the cases at a later stage.
With regard to the crimes, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Netanyahu, born on 21 October 1949, Prime Minister of Israel at the time of the relevant conduct, and Mr Gallant, born on 8 November 1958, Minister of Defence of Israel at the time of the alleged conduct, each bear criminal responsibility for the following crimes as co-perpetrators for committing the acts jointly with others: the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.
The Chamber also found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant each bear criminal responsibility as civilian superiors for the war crime of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population.
Alleged crimes
The Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that during the relevant time, international humanitarian law related to international armed conflict between Israel and Palestine applied. This is because they are two High Contracting Parties to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and because Israel occupies at least parts of Palestine. The Chamber also found that the law related to non-international armed conflict applied to the fighting between Israel and Hamas. The Chamber found that the alleged conduct of Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant concerned the activities of Israeli government bodies and the armed forces against the civilian population in Palestine, more specifically civilians in Gaza. It therefore concerned the relationship between two parties to an international armed conflict, as well as the relationship between an occupying power and the population in occupied territory. For these reasons, with regards to war crimes, the Chamber found it appropriate to issue the arrest warrants pursuant to the law of international armed conflict. The Chamber also found that the alleged crimes against humanity were part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza.
The Chamber considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that both individuals intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity, from at least 8 October 2023 to 20 May 2024. This finding is based on the role of Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant in impeding humanitarian aid in violation of international humanitarian law and their failure to facilitate relief by all means at its disposal. The Chamber found that their conduct led to the disruption of the ability of humanitarian organisations to provide food and other essential goods to the population in need in Gaza. The aforementioned restrictions together with cutting off electricity and reducing fuel supply also had a severe impact on the availability of water in Gaza and the ability of hospitals to provide medical care.
The Chamber also noted that decisions allowing or increasing humanitarian assistance into Gaza were often conditional. They were not made to fulfil Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law or to ensure that the civilian population in Gaza would be adequately supplied with goods in need. In fact, they were a response to the pressure of the international community or requests by the United States of America. In any event, the increases in humanitarian assistance were not sufficient to improve the population's access to essential goods.
Furthermore, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that no clear military need or other justification under international humanitarian law could be identified for the restrictions placed on access for humanitarian relief operations. Despite warnings and appeals made by, inter alia, the UN Security Council, UN Secretary General, States, and governmental and civil society organisations about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, only minimal humanitarian assistance was authorised. In this regard, the Chamber considered the prolonged period of deprivation and Mr Netanyahu's statement connecting the halt in the essential goods and humanitarian aid with the goals of war.
The Chamber therefore found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant bear criminal responsibility for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare.
The Chamber found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the lack of food, water, electricity and fuel, and specific medical supplies, created conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza, which resulted in the death of civilians, including children due to malnutrition and dehydration. On the basis of material presented by the Prosecution covering the period until 20 May 2024, the Chamber could not determine that all elements of the crime against humanity of extermination were met. However, the Chamber did find that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the crime against humanity of murder was committed in relation to these victims.
In addition, by intentionally limiting or preventing medical supplies and medicine from getting into Gaza, in particular anaesthetics and anaesthesia machines, the two individuals are also responsible for inflicting great suffering by means of inhumane acts on persons in need of treatment. Doctors were forced to operate on wounded persons and carry out amputations, including on children, without anaesthetics, and/or were forced to use inadequate and unsafe means to sedate patients, causing these persons extreme pain and suffering. This amounts to the crime against humanity of other inhumane acts.
The Chamber also found reasonable grounds to believe that the abovementioned conduct deprived a significant portion of the civilian population in Gaza of their fundamental rights, including the rights to life and health, and that the population was targeted based on political and/or national grounds. It therefore found that the crime against humanity of persecution was committed.
Finally, the Chamber assessed that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant bear criminal responsibility as civilian superiors for the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population of Gaza. In this regard, the Chamber found that the material provided by the Prosecution only allowed it to make findings on two incidents that qualified as attacks that were intentionally directed against civilians. Reasonable grounds to believe exist that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant, despite having measures available to them to prevent or repress the commission of crimes or ensure the submittal of the matter to the competent authorities, failed to do so.
Background
On 1 January 2015, The State of Palestine lodged a declaration under article 12(3) of the Rome Statute accepting jurisdiction of the Court since 13 June 2014.
On 2 January 2015, The State of Palestine acceded to the Rome Statute by depositing its instrument of accession with the UN Secretary-General. The Rome Statute entered into force for The State of Palestine on 1 April 2015.
On 22 May 2018, pursuant to articles 13(a) and 14 of the Rome Statute, The State of Palestine referred to the Prosecutor the Situation since 13 June 2014, with no end date.
On 3 March 2021, the Prosecutor announced the opening of the investigation into the Situation in the State of Palestine. This followed Pre-Trial Chamber I's decision (https://apo-opa.co/4fYvUHo) on 5 February 2021 that the Court could exercise its criminal jurisdiction in the Situation and, by majority, that the territorial scope of this jurisdiction extends to Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
On 17 November 2023, the Office of the Prosecutor received a further referral of the Situation in the State of Palestine, from South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti, and on 18 January 2024, the Republic of Chile and the United Mexican State additionally submitted a referral to the Prosecutor with respect to the situation in The State of Palestine.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Criminal Court (ICC).
For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: fadi.el-abdallah@icc-cpi.int
You can also follow the Court's activities on Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3CE1oV7), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4fUFF9J), Tumblr (https://apo-opa.co/40ZF16K), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3OnCATX), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4g1UEyR) and Flickr https://apo-opa.co/3CHEUT9).
President Ramaphosa reflects on ’successful’ G20 Leaders’ Summit
President Ramaphosa reflects on ’successful’ G20 Leaders' Summit
By Gabisile Ngcobo
Rio de Janiero - President Cyril Ramaphosa says that the two-day G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been a success.
He noted that, despite some members holding dissenting views, a broad consensus was ultimately reached.
“The beauty of this summit is that it allowed everyone to express their views and articulate dissenting views or voices on issues. What we established at this summit is that even as a member or country dissents it will not stop the show,” the President said on Tuesday.
The news broadcaster CNN reported that despite signing the G20 final declaration on Monday, Argentine President Javier Milei told the other Heads of State that he disagreed with some aspects of the document.
Reports said President Milei opposed several issues, including the restriction of freedom of expression on social media, vulnerabilities to the sovereignty of global governance institutions, unequal treatment under the law, and the belief that increased state intervention is the solution to fighting hunger.
He also distanced himself from some text related to the 2030 Agenda.
“What we are learning is that in the end, when there is broad consensus - what we would call sufficient consensus - a declaration should be adopted,” President Ramaphosa said.
South Africa’s commander-in-chief said he would want this practice to be adopted by G20 countries.
The President addressed the media at the conclusion of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which ended yesterday.
“Yes, there’s always an opportunity to have frank discussions about geopolitical issues, some of them quite testing and touching, such as what is happening in Palestine and Gaza, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine.”
He argued that there was no avoidance of the key and thorny issues in discussions.
The President highlighted several key “takeaways” from the gathering and the achievements of the G20 Brazil Presidency. These include a focus on taxing the super-rich, reforming the governance of global institutions and financial organisations, as well as addressing climate change.
“Overall, this has been a very successful G20 Summit, and it lays a very good foundation for us as South Africa, as we now focus on having the next G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa,” he added.
Yesterday, Brazil officially handed over the historic G20 Presidency to South Africa at the closing ceremony of the annual summit.
READ I Brazil officially hands over G20 Presidency to South Africa
President Ramaphosa announced that South Africa had adopted the G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”.
“Whatever pressure we may be facing is a pressure that is exerted on us by the conditions in which people in the world find themselves, particularly in the Global South, poverty, inequality, and joblessness.
“Those are the pressures that we are under, which we’ve got to address,” he told journalists.
He said key priorities include ending hunger, addressing climate change, and focusing on digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence.
South Africa will also advocate for the African agenda and the interests of the Global South.
“We expect to have a successful summit in Johannesburg, and we’re really glad that many countries that were here are keen and willing to come and support us as we lead up to the summit in Johannesburg.”
He expressed eagerness to collaborate with United States President-elect Donald Trump as South Africa prepares for the summit and handover to the United States in 2026.
“We’re going to be working together for a solid two years, if not three. I’m hoping that diplomacy and the various protocols that exist amongst global leaders as well as countries are going to underpin the way that we work.
“I think we’ll have a good summit in South Africa, with the participation of the United States, and with President Donald Trump coming to South Africa.
“I’ve already invited him for a State Visit, and we look forward to welcoming him.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:00
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SA inches towards G20 Presidency
SA inches towards G20 Presidency
The countdown to South Africa assuming the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” has begun.
“The Leaders Summit will be held in Johannesburg, Gauteng and the IMC [Inter-Ministerial Committee] is working with other provinces to host Ministerial and Working Groups meetings. We will launch the South Africa G20 programme on the 1st of December 2024,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said at a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday.
This as the country will participate in the upcoming G20 Summit on 18 and 19 November 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with the 19 member countries.
READ | SA to play key role at upcoming G20 Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously said in his weekly newsletter that when South Africa takes over the G20 Presidency later this year, it will focus on the priorities of Africa and the Global South.
South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency from December 2024, approximately five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The President said that as a signatory to the Pact for the Future, the country aims to push for a people-driven, sustainable development.
“When South Africa assumes the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) later this year, we will prioritise the needs and aspirations of our continent and the Global South. As a signatory to the Pact for the Future, we want people-driven, sustainable development to become a reality,” the President said at that time.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Meanwhile, Cabinet has welcomed the filing of South Africa’s memorial to the ICJ, which shows how the government of Israel violated the Genocide Convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza.
READ | Government condemns genocide disinformation efforts
The memorial of more 1300 pages – supported by exhibits and annexures – contains evidence of Israel’s genocidal acts, and its failure to prevent incitement to genocide.
“The filing of the memorial takes place at a time when Israel is intensifying the killing of civilians in Gaza and is intent on following a similar path of destruction in Lebanon.
“The memorial is a reminder to the global community of the atrocities perpetuated against the people of Palestine and the need for solidarity to stop the catastrophe.
“The filing also comes in the footsteps of the United Nations resolution condemning the actions of the Israeli government against the people of Palestine,” Cabinet said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 15:00
379 views
Lebanese Community Protests Outside Israeli Embassy
Call for South Africa to cut coal exports to Israel
Presidency asserts stance on South Africa’s foreign policy
Presidency asserts stance on South Africa’s foreign policy
The Presidency has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to a foreign policy grounded in solidarity, peace, equality, human rights and sustainable development for the benefit of all.
In a statement on Sunday, the Presidency emphasised that President Cyril Ramaphosa is dedicated to strengthening political and trade ties, while supporting the rights of oppressed communities globally.
“As President Cyril Ramaphosa continues to lead the 7th administration in strengthening all key political and trade ties, working in solidarity with the oppressed peoples of the world in Palestine and Western Sahara, while advocating for peaceful resolution of conflicts around the globe, South Africa will maintain a foreign policy that is informed by solidarity, peace, equality, human rights and sustainable development for the benefit of all.
"This is the responsibility that President Ramaphosa will continue to exercise without any undue pressure and in line with South Africa’s national sovereign interest,” the Presidency said.
In an August 2023 address preceding the South African-hosted 15th BRICS Summit, President Ramaphosa outlined the values underpinning the country’s foreign policy.
In the address, President Ramaphosa articulated the principles and values that shape the country’s foreign policy and inform its international relations.
“Before the dawn of democracy in 1994, the apartheid South African state was a pariah in the international community, condemned for committing a crime against humanity," President Ramaphosa said at the time.
He highlighted that the foreign policy of apartheid South Africa was defined by coercion, destabilisation and military aggression.
“Since the advent of democracy, South Africa’s foreign policy has been based on what our forebears inscribed in the Freedom Charter in 1955, when they declared that: 'South Africa shall be a fully independent State, which respects the rights and the sovereignty of all nations; South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation – not war'."
The President further affirmed South Africa’s foreign policy as a vital element of the nation's progress. South Africa’s strong relations with other countries manifested through investment and trade relations that can contribute to the growth of the economy, create more opportunities for new businesses and create jobs.
“President Ramaphosa has been steadfast in maintaining South Africa’s commitment to the policy of active non-alignment. South Africa has resisted pressure to align with any one of the global powers or with influential blocs of nations in their pursuit of power contestations that are unfolding in countries across the globe.
“The President observed during his foreign policy address that, 'during the Cold War, the stability and sovereignty of many African countries was undermined because of their alignment with the major powers. This experience has convinced us of the need to seek strategic partnerships with other countries rather than be dominated by any other country.
“While some of our detractors prefer overt support for their political and ideological choices, we will not be drawn into a contest between global powers. Instead, our country strives to work with all countries for global peace and development,” the Presidency said.
The Presidency noted that it is this resolute adherence to the policy of non-alignment and to the prescripts of the Freedom Charter which informed the nation’s Constitution that South Africa continues to contribute towards the attainment of world peace and silencing the guns on the continent.
The Presidency clarified that President Ramaphosa’s recent remarks declaring President Putin and the people of Russia as “valuable friends and allies”, he was not projecting any particular country or bloc of countries as the enemy.
“Similarly, as a country that has no enemies, South Africa regards the members of BRICS as friends. It is through the policy of non-alignment that South Africa has been able to constructively engage with both Russia and Ukraine.
“In several engagements, President Ramaphosa has emphasised the centrality of the United Nations Charter and the need for peaceful dialogue in resolving conflict. In the process South Africa has also maintained its strong historical ties with the Russian Federation, whilst enjoying cordial diplomatic bilateral relations with Ukraine.
“South Africa has also been unwavering in advocating for a peace process that includes the full participation of both countries,” the Presidency said.
Today, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, will host his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Amongst the highlights of the visit will be the signing of an Agreement on Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Service or Official Passports.
This will enable South African officials to travel to Ukraine for peace formula meetings without visa logistical impediments. This development, which has been in the making since 2020, signals South Africa’s commitment to growing diplomatic relations with Ukraine.
South Africa will soon host the South Africa-European Union summit as part of its G20 presidency, strengthening its strategic partnership with the EU.
South Africa is the only partner in Africa amongst the European Union’s 10 bilateral strategic partnerships.
The summit will further enhance the existing partnership with the European Union.
South Africa will continue working towards strengthening the strategic, trade and political bilateral relationships with key partners including the Peoples Republic of China, United States of America, Germany, Japan, India and others.
South Africa will further consolidate the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is set to eliminate trade barriers, boost intra African trade and achieve prosperity for all of Africa. The African Continental Free Trade Area will also accelerate manufacturing and industrial capacity on the continent. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/28/2024 - 09:55
390 views
Presidency Asserts Responsibility and Stance on South Africa’s Foreign Policy
On the 20th of August 2023, ahead of the South African Chaired 15th BRICS Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered an address to the nation on South Africa's foreign policy.
In the address, President Ramaphosa articulated the principles and values that shape our foreign policy and inform our international relations when he said: “Before the dawn of democracy in 1994, the apartheid South African state was a pariah in the international community, condemned for committing a crime against humanity.
The foreign policy of apartheid South Africa was defined by coercion, destabilisation and military aggression. Since the advent of democracy, South Africa's foreign policy has been based on what our forebears inscribed in the Freedom Charter in 1955, when they declared that: “South Africa shall be a fully independent state which respects the rights and the sovereignty of all nations; South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation – not war”.
The President further affirmed South Africa's foreign policy as vital element of our nation's progress. South Africa's strong relations with other countries manifested through investment and trade relations that can contribute to the growth of our economy, create more opportunities for new businesses and create jobs.
President Ramaphosa has been steadfast in maintaining South Africa's commitment to the policy of active non-alignment. South Africa has resisted pressure to align with any one of the global powers or with influential blocs of nations in their pursuit of power contestations that are unfolding in countries across the globe.
The President observed during his foreign policy address that, “during the ‘Cold War', the stability and sovereignty of many African countries was undermined because of their alignment with the major powers. This experience has convinced us of the need to seek strategic partnerships with other countries rather than be dominated by any other country.
While some of our detractors prefer overt support for their political and ideological choices, we will not be drawn into a contest between global powers. Instead, our country strives to work with all countries for global peace and development."
It is this resolute adherence to the policy of non-alignment and to the prescripts of the Freedom Charter which informed our constitution that South Africa continues to contribute towards the attainment of world peace and silencing the guns on our continent.
In declaring President Putin and the people of Russia as “valuable friends and allies”, President Ramaphosa was not projecting any particular country or block of countries as the enemy. Similarly, as a country that has no enemies, South Africa regards the members of BRICS as friends.
It is through the policy of non-alignment that South Africa has been able to constructively engage with both Russia and Ukraine.
In several engagements, President Ramaphosa has emphasised the centrality of the United Nations Charter and the need for peaceful dialogue in resolving conflict. In the process South Africa has also maintained its strong historical ties with the Russian Federation, whilst enjoying cordial diplomatic bilateral relations with Ukraine.
South Africa has also been unwavering in advocating for a peace process that includes the full participation of both countries.
On Monday, 28 October 2024, South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Hon. Ronald Lamola, will host his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Andrii Sybiha. Amongst the highlights of the visit will be the signing of an Agreement on Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Service or Official Passports.
This will enable South African officials to travel to Ukraine for peace formula meetings without visa logistical impediments. This development, which has been in the making since 2020, signals South Africa's commitment to growing diplomatic relations with Ukraine.
Within the first six months of 2025, the year of South Africa's G20 Presidency, our country will also host the South Africa-European Union summit. South Africa is the only partner in Africa amongst the EU's 10 bilateral strategic partnerships. The summit will further enhance the existing partnership with the European Union.
South Africa will continue working towards strengthening the strategic, trade and political bilateral relationships with key partners including the Peoples Republic of China, United States of America, Germany, Japan, India and others.
South Africa will further consolidate the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is set to eliminate trade barriers, boost intra African trade and achieve prosperity for all of Africa. The AFCFTA will also accelerate manufacturing and industrial capacity on our continent.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa continues to lead the 7th Administration in strengthening all key political and trade ties, working in solidarity with the oppressed peoples of the world in Palestine and Western Sahara, while advocating for peaceful resolution of conflicts around the globe, South Africa will maintain a foreign policy that is informed by solidarity, peace, equality, human rights and sustainable development for the benefit of all.
This is the responsibility that President Ramaphosa will continue to exercise without any undue pressure and in line with South Africa's national sovereign interest.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.