Presidency
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa will continue to stand with the vulnerable and marginalised, and fight for a just world.
This comes after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague ordered Israel to, amongst others, take all measures within its power "to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide" and to immediately ensure that Palestinians have access to basic services and humanitarian assistance.
South Africa had approached the ICJ to garner not only a ceasefire of Israel's military barrage of Palestine but also to ask the court to find the Israeli government guilty of committing acts of genocide.
The ICJ found that it was "plausible" that Israel committed acts that violated the Genocide Convention.
As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy this year, Deputy President Mashatile said not only has the government made significant strides in transforming South Africa, but it has also left a significant mark globally by "unapologetically" choosing to stand on the side of justice.
"We are a nation that will always stand for the vulnerable and marginalised, and fight for a just world. We call upon the rest of the world to join us in this important fight for justice, equality, and peace," Mashatile said in a speech prepared for delivery at the South Africa Legislative Sector International Oversight Summit in Cape Town.
The two-day summit provides the sector with an opportunity to reflect on the gains made in strengthening democracy while discussing how it can optimise its role as a guardian of democracy by improving the legislative arm of the State.
(source: SAnews.gov.za)
