South Africa abstained from voting in the United Nations General Assembly on the resolution to suspend Russia from being part of the Human Rights Council. Voting took place on Thursday at the UN General Assembly with 93 countries voting in support of the resolution, 24 countries voting against it and 58 countries abstained.
South Africa’s Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Xolisa Mabhongo, said South Africa is deeply concerned with the loss of life. It did not believe kicking Russia out of the council was a wise decision; it encourages mediation through dialogue.
Also read: SA in pursuit of a major gas deal and Russia wants to be the supplier
Mabhongo said, “South Africa is of the firm belief that the tabling of the resolution that we will consider today (Thursday) is premature and prejudges the decision of the commission of enquiry. We must allow the commission to undertake its mandate and report to the Human Rights Council on its outcomes. The resolution will further divide the matter and the general assembly itself.”
“South Africa maintains that in considering the suspension of a member we must be consistent and not be selective. For these reasons South Africa will abstain on the resolution, thank you Mr. President.” Voting took place and Russia was defeated.
Russia recently sent a letter to selected countries which include South Africa, ahead of the UN vote to have Russia removed from the UN Human Rights Council. The letter warned that if the countries abstained, Russia would perceive that as siding with the US and its allies.
Source: News24, Times Live, Business Day, ENCA, image from Times Live
