Question NW2052 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
15 June 2023 - NW2052
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether, given the alleged large-scale and persistent abuse of human rights, including the denial of free and fair democratic elections, in the Republic of Cuba, the Republic will consider downgrading the status of the SA Embassy in Havana to that of Liaison Office in order to demonstrate our commitment to democratic values and human rights; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The South African Government is not considering the downgrading of its diplomatic representation in Cuba as the Government believes that institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Attorney General have demonstrated their ability to deal with alleged human rights violations. Downgrading diplomatic relations is a drastic act that can only be considered when states continuously disregard international law in circumstances where states are illegally occupying the territories of other countries, deny people a legitimate right to self-determination and practice systemic forms of oppression, including breaching important international conventions, including for example, the Convention Against Apartheid.