Question NW1225 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
11 May 2022 - NW1225
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Noting that the United States of America is the biggest humanitarian supplier to the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, what has been the Government’s position on the African Union’s humanitarian stance with regard to humanitarian aid to unstable African countries?
Reply:
The South African government supports the African Union (AU) Humanitarian Policy Framework which articulates the AU’s stance on humanitarian issues.
The AU adopted the AU Humanitarian Assistance Policy in 2015. It outlines a broad framework and the Continental body’s intent in dealing with humanitarian issues.
The Policy Framework establishes a strategic approach and guidelines in support of the core aims of humanitarian action: to preserve, protect and save lives, alleviate suffering and enhance physical security and human dignity of those in dire need. It also “complements and supports the policies of AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the international community, United Nations (UN) agencies, International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO), the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, national and international NGOs and other humanitarian actors and stakeholders”.
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