JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 20 — As the world marks World Humanitarian Day on Tuesday, South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes called on the global community to “strengthen” respect for international humanitarian law.
Speaking at an event under the theme “Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Support and Commitments to International Humanitarian Law” in Pretoria, the country’s administrative capital, Botes described humanitarian law as a “cornerstone” of international law.
He also lambasted what he termed the current “geopolitical disorder,” which is driving the surge in armed conflicts worldwide.
The deputy minister said this has resulted in an environment plagued by uncertainty, volatility, and anarchy. “We are witnessing a rapid rise in right-wing populism, narrow nationalism, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other related intolerance,” he said.
Botes highlighted more than 20 ongoing conflicts in Africa and further cited the recent wars in the Middle East involving Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.
“The historical body of evidence indicates that Israel remains committed to ethnic cleansing of Palestinians through a genocidal war against them,” he said, noting that international law in general is important in this context, and the moral and legal clarity offered by international humanitarian law is more relevant and critical than ever.
He also said the humanitarian crises unfolding on the African continent should be “confronted,” highlighting the displacement of over 10 million people in South Sudan due to the conflict there.
“These crises are not isolated — they are interconnected. They feed regional instability, reverse decades of development, and test our collective resolve to uphold the principles of humanitarian law,” he said.
“It is therefore incumbent upon Africa‘s leaders, diplomats, and peoples to raise our voice with equal clarity against these tragedies.” Meanwhile, Botes reiterated South Africa‘s commitment to upholding international law. (Xinhua)
