President Ramaphosa Urges Global Action Against Apartheid and Calls for UN Reform at UNGA79

Focusing on the plight of the Palestinian people, President Ramaphosa described their ongoing suffering as a continuation of more than half a century of apartheid.

In a powerful address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa condemned ongoing apartheid-like conditions faced by marginalized groups worldwide, reinforcing his country’s commitment to international human rights advocacy.

During his speech at the annual high-level debate on September 24, 2024, President Ramaphosa drew upon South Africa's own history of apartheid to emphasize the UN's crucial role in upholding fundamental human rights globally. “We South Africans know what apartheid looks like. We lived through it. We suffered and died under it. We will not remain silent and watch as apartheid is perpetrated against others,” he declared, calling for collective action through the UN to end such injustices.

Support for Palestinian Rights

Focusing on the plight of the Palestinian people, President Ramaphosa described their ongoing suffering as a continuation of more than half a century of apartheid. He reiterated South Africa's position that the only sustainable resolution is the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages involved in the conflict.

Earlier this month, the South African government announced plans to submit a Memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 2024, presenting evidence to support allegations of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. This legal action is part of a broader strategy to hold Israel accountable under international law.

Advocacy for Global Conflict Resolution

In his address, President Ramaphosa also tackled ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, Yemen, Ukraine, and the Sahel. He underscored South Africa's commitment to facilitating international efforts for peace and conflict resolution, stating, “Our moral conscience further demands that we exert every effort to bring peace to these troubled regions.”

Call for UN Security Council Reform

Addressing the need for reform within the UN Security Council, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the current structure remains largely unchanged after 78 years, leaving Africa's 1.4 billion people excluded from key decision-making processes. He urged for an urgent reform to make the Security Council more inclusive and representative, allowing for the voices of all nations to be heard.

“Africa stands ready to play its part in building a safer global order,” he said, highlighting the African Union's ongoing mediation and diplomatic efforts to foster peace across the continent. He called for greater collaboration between the African Union and the UN to effectively address the root causes of conflict.

Economic Development and Sustainability

In a related discussion at the African Minerals Forum, which took place alongside the UNGA sessions, President Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of the critical minerals sector in driving global economic growth and sustainability. He asserted that by leveraging key sectors such as mining, energy, and manufacturing, South Africa aims to improve its business environment and attract necessary investments for development.

President Ramaphosa is leading South Africa’s delegation at the 79th Session of the General Assembly (UNGA79), which runs from September 24 to 30, 2024, at the UN headquarters in New York. His multifaceted approach underscores South Africa's commitment to both human rights advocacy and economic development on the global stage.