South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deep concern over the continued violation of international law principles by some states, specifically citing Israel's defiance of UN resolutions and rulings, particularly those of the International Court of Justice. He made these remarks during his address to the high-level meetings of the UN General Assembly, where he highlighted the international community's failure to enforce adherence to humanitarian conventions.
South Africa and the International Court of Justice
In his remarks, Ramaphosa outlined the historic legal steps taken by his country, namely filing a lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice. This lawsuit is based on accusations that Israel has violated its obligations under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in light of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The South African president emphasized that ignoring the Court's provisional measures undermines the credibility of the entire international system and encourages impunity.
These moves are gaining major international importance, as South Africa has placed itself at the forefront of countries defending the Palestinian cause in international legal forums, drawing inspiration from its long history of struggle against the apartheid regime, which gives its position great moral and political weight in the countries of the Global South.
Humanitarian crises in Africa
Ramaphosa's speech was not limited to the situation in the Middle East; he also addressed, with deep concern, the deteriorating humanitarian and security conditions in Africa. He drew attention to the ongoing tragedies in Sudan, where a bloody conflict has displaced millions, as well as the chronic conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He stressed the need for the international community to give equal attention to these forgotten crises, emphasizing that the selective application of human rights undermines global peace.
Internal challenges and the unity government
Domestically, the President reviewed the efforts of South Africa's new Government of National Unity, which was formed to promote political stability. He explained that his government's priorities are currently focused on combating extreme poverty, reducing high unemployment rates, and addressing the root causes of the economic and social inequalities that continue to plague the country as a legacy of the past.
Ramaphosa concluded his speech by emphasizing his country’s foreign policy doctrine, which is based on maintaining world peace and the tireless pursuit of settling international disputes through negotiations and constructive dialogue, rather than resorting to military force.
