Member Statement by Minister Ronald Lamola (Vice President of AALCO) delivered at Asian African Legal Consultative Organization Annual 61st Session held in Indonesia on the 17th of October 2023
Your excellencies
I am humbled by the honour this organisation has bestowed on me and by extension the Republic of South Africa by electing me as the Vice President at the 61st Annual Session.
Distinguished Guests,
We acknowledge and appreciate the significant and positive impact the organisation has had on the development of international law, particularly in effectively conveying the perspectives of Asian-African nations on pressing legal matters to the global community.
This forum's efforts will be a valuable contribution towards advancing the African Agenda 2063, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and global human rights, peace, and security issues.
It is essential to acknowledge that AALCO Member States have a significant history of supporting decolonisation since the UN's inception and have strived for its firm grounding in international law.
The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle in international law. It cannot be separated from independence and sovereignty, and a state's essential characteristics can only be exercised on a territorial basis.
We have taken note of the Agenda of this 61st session and look forward to engaging with each of the crucial matters put therein over the coming days.
We have to shape the instrument that is being developed for Cyberspace law as developing countries are the most affected by breaches in cyber security.
A fight against transnational organised crime on the environment is important for sustainability of the environment for future generations, it is against background that we support the text on the environment and sustainable development, we call on all of us to help in the fight against Rhino poaching and sub-Saharan Africa being the hardest hit by this transnational crime.
At the outset, we wish to express our condolences to all victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The atrocities committed against civilian populations are causing great concern, and we urgently call for an immediate cessation of violence from all parties involved.
Our primary concern is the urgent humanitarian assistance those affected require, and we implore that all basic life-supporting necessities be provided to alleviate their suffering.
The United Nations General Assembly's request for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Palestinian people's rights is a positive step towards promoting peace in the Middle East, as recognized by South Africa.
Supporting Palestinian nationhood has been a consistent part of South African foreign policy since 1994, when the African National Congress came into power.
South Africa's foreign policy aims to promote a viable and sustainable peace plan for the Middle East, wherein Palestine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic viability are secured, and there is sovereign equality between Palestine and Israel.
South Africa believes the ongoing delay in resolving the conflict has led to an unending cycle of unspeakable atrocities and human rights violations.
As a matter of international law, the principle of self-determination for the Palestinian people is widely recognised and enshrined in various international covenants, instruments, and the United Nations Charter.
South Africa's policy position on the Israeli-Palestine conflict aligns with the Oslo Accords, the Roadmap, and the Arab Plan 2002, recognising the two-state option as the only viable solution.
South Africa urges all members of AALCO to work towards finding a permanent solution to the conflict in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and internationally agreed parameters.
As global citizens, we envision a world where every nation adheres to international law and collaborates to promote peaceful coexistence. Achieving this noble goal requires collective effort from all of us.
As members of the international community, we have a responsibility to take action whenever we observe any violations of international law or impediments to peace. However, we cannot attain this objective alone. We must work in unison and extend support to each other.
South Africa is well aware of this fact, and we are prepared to share our expertise in diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution to contribute to a more peaceful world.
Thank you for your attention.
