EDITORIAL: Time for SA to step up
2019 brings with it the opportunity for SA to salvage its reputation as far as its rights record is concerned
SA’s foreign policy practice in multilateral institutions has often failed to match the promise of its constitution, lauded for its advancement of human rights. Some of the country’s more dubious decisions in the UN Security Council have given the lie to its stated commitment to human rights over the callous pragmatism of realpolitik. In two terms on the Security Council (2007-2008; 2011-2012), for example, SA voted against resolutions condemning human rights violations in Myanmar and sanctioning Robert Mugabe’s regime in Zimbabwe; it rejected a draft resolution for sanctions against Sudan; and abstained from a resolution condemning "systemic human rights violations" in Syria. 2019 brings with it the opportunity for SA to salvage its reputation as far as its rights record is concerned — and with the world teetering on the edge of turmoil, there should be more than enough opportunity for it to do just that. As SA takes up a seat on the Security Council for a third time, one can only ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.