On Tuesday, 19 August, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, hosted a High-Level Event on the Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitment for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Pretoria.
The initiative, launched in September 2024 by Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and South Africa, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is an urgent response to the devastating human toll of armed conflicts worldwide. It seeks to reinvigorate global dialogue on International Humanitarian Law, reaffirm political will, and foster practical cooperation to ensure that the principles of humanity are preserved, even in times of war.
South Africa’s Diplomatic Leadership
As a founding member of the Global Initiative, South Africa continues to position itself as a champion of international law, peace, and multilateralism. The Pretoria event, co-hosted with the ICRC’s Regional Delegation for Southern Africa, brought together Heads of African Diplomatic Missions to encourage broader African Union participation. By amplifying Africa’s voice, the event underscored the importance of inclusivity in shaping a representative and global dialogue on IHL.
Deputy Minister Botes’ Call for Renewed Commitment
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Botes stressed the relevance of IHL in today’s fractured geopolitical landscape, noting that “international law, in general, is vital, but the moral and legal clarity offered by International Humanitarian Law is more relevant and critical than ever before.”
He reiterated South Africa’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, asserting that human dignity must never be compromised, regardless of the context of conflict. “The dignity of every human being, whether in Gaza, Ukraine, the DRC, or Sudan, must be protected with unrelenting passion,” he said.
A Collective Responsibility
The Deputy Minister urged states and international actors to reaffirm their collective dedication to safeguarding IHL principles:
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding International Humanitarian Law at all times and in all places. Let us join forces to build a world where the sanctity of life is upheld, and the principles of dignity, safety, security, equality, and justice are promoted universally.”
The High-Level Event reflects South Africa’s strategic diplomatic role in bridging global and regional perspectives on humanitarian law. It also highlights Africa’s evolving contribution to shaping normative frameworks that protect civilians in conflict. By convening African missions, Pretoria not only strengthens continental solidarity but also signals its determination to ensure that Africa’s experiences and perspectives are central to the future of humanitarian diplomacy.
At a time when conflicts are eroding trust in international systems, South Africa’s leadership, together with global partners and the ICRC, represents a renewed push to safeguard humanity against the darkest impulses of war.
Photo Credit: Dirco
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