Question NW4005 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
11 December 2023 - NW4005
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether, considering that on 9 December 2023 the United Nations (UN) marks the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the Genocide Convention), which is also the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime (details furnished), the Republic, as a party to the Genocide Convention, will call upon the competent organs of the UN to take action under the Charter of the UN in relation to the conflict and the genocide taking place in Gaza; if not, why not; if so, (a) by what date will the Government take the specified step and (b) what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) and (b) Against the backdrop of Israeli contraventions of international law in Palestine, the South African Government has commenced preliminary discussions among relevant Government Departments to consider taking further steps for accountability by Israel for the crime of genocide. The South African Government is also considering steps for the potential mobilisation of support by UN Member States for holding Israel accountable, in the context of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. The commemoration by the UN in this regard presents a propitious moment for giving effect to the Genocide Convention.
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