Question NW1470 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
19 November 2019 - NW1470
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
1) What is the Government ‘s position on the economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe by the United States of America and the Europian Union; (2) Whether the Government supporst a human rights – based foreign policy; if not, why not; if so, (3) Whether the government stands in solidarity with Government of Zimbabwe, despite Zimbabwe’s alleged human rights abuses; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- Our stance toward Zimbabwe’s economic sanctions is primarly guided by the position of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as well as the African Union (AU) position which calls for immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States of America and the European Union.
- South Africa’s foreign policy is premised on the observation and respect for human rights and this also guides our bilateral engagements.
- South Africa’s developmental aspirations and future are inextricably linked to that of the Southern African region, as such South Africa unequivocally stand in solidarity with all SADC member states including Zimbabwe. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) remains the United Nation’s mandated body to promote and protect human rights globally, not unilateral state’s decisions.