South Africa concerned at possible escalation of hostilities in the Middle East

South Africa emphasises that all parties must exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any act that would escalate tensions in a particularly fragile region

The Government of South Africa is gravely concerned at developments in the Middle East following the retaliatory action by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Israel following Israel’s attacks on Iran’s Embassy in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April 2024. As the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres has stated,…

South Africa: Violation of the Mexican Embassy in Quito, Ecuador

South Africa calls for an amicable diplomatic solution to be reached between the Mexican and Ecuadorian Governments, in finding a lasting solution for these sisterly countries of the Global South

South Africa express concern on the reported attack perpetrated by the Ecuadorian police on the Mexican Embassy on 5 April 2024, which was in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, in particular the principle of inviolability of diplomatic premises and personnel. This follows the arbitrary arrest…

South Africa welcomes resolution on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem

The resolution emphasises the need to ensure that all those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law are held to account

South Africa welcomes the adoption by the Human Rights Council of Resolution A/HRC/L.30 on the Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the Obligation to Ensure Accountability and Justice by 28 votes in favour, 13 abstentions and eight votes against. The adoption of the resolution…

South Africa condemns the attack on the consular section building of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Syrian Arab Republic on 1 April 2024

The South African Government views any attack on a diplomatic or consular establishment as a flagrant violation of international law that offers protection to diplomatic as well as consular representatives in a host state

The South African Government wishes to convey its condolences to the families of the victims as well as the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the attack on the consular section building of its Embassy in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Republic. The South African Government views…

South Africa welcomes additional provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice (‘the Court’) has granted South Africa’s Urgent Request of 6 March 2024, for further provisional measures to prevent Israel from causing irreparable harm to the rights invoked by South Africa under the 1948 Genocide Convention in respect of the ongoing siege of Gaza. In doing…

South Africa: President Ramaphosa congratulates President-Elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal

South Africa and Senegal enjoy close political, trade and social relations deepened by strong historical ties rooted from the anti-apartheid struggle

President Cyril Ramaphosa has on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa congratulated President-elect,  Mr Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on his election as the President of the Republic of Senegal. The outcome of the election bears testimony to the resilient spirit of the Senegalese people who preferred the democratic…

Minister Pandor to undertake a Working Visit to the US and Jamaica to engage in High-Level Discussions with various stakeholders

Minister Pandor will speak at the Reception hosted in honour of anti-apartheid activists and the South African Diaspora in Washington DC

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will undertake a Working Visit to the United States of America and the Caribbean Island of Jamaica, from 18-26 March 2024. The purpose of Minister Pandor’s visit to the United States of America is to engage in high-level consultations and…

South Africa requests International Court of Justice to urgently act to prevent famine in Gaza genocide

All participants in the conflict must ensure that all fighting and hostilities come to an immediate halt, and that all hostages and detainees are released immediately

South Africa requests International Court of Justice to urgently act to prevent famine in Gaza genocide. South Africa has on 6 March 2024, approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with an urgent application for the provisional measures the court ordered on 26 January 2024, to be strengthened to prevent…

South Africa: Minister Pandor to participate in the Third Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) in Antalya, Türkiye 1-3 March 2024

This year’s Forum takes place under the overarching theme, “Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil”

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will participate in the Third Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), scheduled to take place from 1-3 March 2024 in Antalya, in the Republic of Türkiye. Minister Pandor will use the opportunity of her visit to Antalya to hold a bilateral meeting,…

South Africa: Minister Pandor to participate in the High-level Segment of the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva – Switzerland

Minister Pandor will deliver a national statement, outlining South Africa’s human rights priority issues for the year 2024

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will participate in the High-Level Segment of the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC 55), scheduled to take place from 26-28 February 202 in Geneva, Switzerland. Minister Pandor will deliver a national statement, outlining South Africa’s…