The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will participate in the High-Level Segment of the 49th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, from 28 February to 2 March 2022 – Photo: DIRCO/Flickr
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will participate in the High-Level Segment of the 49th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, from 28 February to 2 March 2022 – Photo: DIRCO/Flickr
The United Nations (UN) is hosting a crucial vote amongst its 193 member states on Wednesday, as the international council seeks a worldwide condemnation of Russia and its invasion of Ukraine. However, it’s not quite crystal clear which way the South African representatives will sway.
ANC, South Africa, and Russia… it’s complicated
In the past week, governments across the planet have furiously denounced Vladimir Putin’s assault on his neighbouring nation, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds and widespread damage to crucial infrastructure.
However, the simple act of condemning this aggression has proved a step too far for the ANC government. They have dithered in their response to the crisis, partly because of the country’s historic ties to Russia.
Crucial UN vote to force SA’s hand
There has been an abject failure amongst government officials to comprehensively reject the war being waged by Putin – leaving many onlookers shocked by such pacifism. SA’s official stance on the matter, therefore, has come under severe scrutiny – and it will be tested further this evening.
Today is decision time here in New York as all 193 @UN member states will vote on a #UNGA resolution condemning Russia’s unprovoked aggression against #Ukraine. We face a choice where we stand on peace&justice. ???????? will vote YES to defend the UN Charter and #StopRussianAggression. pic.twitter.com/IQQKnnxefq
— Jakub Kulhanek (@JakubKulhanek) March 2, 2022
‘Abstention or vote with Russia would be wrong, unjust’ – DA
All too aware of the conflicting messages being conveyed by our government, the DA has urged Mzansi’s diplomats at the UN to ‘do the right thing’ – imploring them to put distance between South Africa and its ‘war hungry ally’.
“Naledi Pandor must clarify the South African government’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. South Africa will be holding a seat for an important vote in the UN General Assembly and an abstention or vote with Russia will be a show of support for the continuation of the invasion of Ukraine.”
“The Minister needs to take South Africa into her confidence and give us the assurance that our ambassador will be supporting the resolution against Russia. This is not the time to be loyal to war hungry allies. It’s the time to do it what is just and right. They must call for a Russian withdrawal from Ukraine, and to impose sanctions on Russia.”
DA statement
