Rev K R J Meshoe (ACDP) to ask the President of the Republic:
(1) Whether South Africa will use its position on the United Nations Security Council to advance human rights and free political activity in countries such as Myanmar and Zimbabwe; if so,
(2) whether it will include supporting sanctions against countries that fail to respect human rights and do not allow free political activity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
South Africa's foreign policy is informed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the country's value system, especially our commitment to democracy, human rights, justice and the well-being of all.
Our primary objective on the United Nations Security Council will be to contribute to the promotion of these values.
We also remain firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights across the globe.
Membership of the United Nations enables us to contribute to promoting these goals, as well as the protection of multilateralism and the respect for international law.
South Africa, like the rest of the international community, is concerned about the human rights situation in Myanmar.
We are consistent in our support for the consideration and discussion of human rights matters in relevant UN bodies including the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, including the Myanmar issue.
We have also supported the work of the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy in Myanmar and the efforts of the Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), aimed at assisting Myanmar to resolve its challenges.
The issue of Zimbabwe is currently not an agenda item on the UN Security Council.
Honourable Members would be aware that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union are attending to the Zimbabwean matter, and South Africa is part of that process.
Source: The Presidency
