America should address fundamental human rights issues, says SA’s top diplomat
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, says the United States of America (USA) now has the chance to address fundamental issues of human rights such as freedom, dignity and equality.
Pandor has reacted to a week of escalating protests and unrest as anger grows across America following the death of 46-year old African American, George Floyd, while in police custody.
The Minister has called on especially US security forces to exercise maximum restraint in responding to the anger and frustration that has poured over onto the streets and led to curfews in various cities.
Pandor expressed condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd.
"The violence that has characterized some of the protests seriously detracts from drawing international awareness to the legitimate concerns about violence against defenceless black people and other minorities in America,” says Pandor.
She adds in a statement that South Africa supports the clarion calls for practical action to address the inadequacies highlighted by protesters, civil society and human rights organizations.
“Recalling the steps post-apartheid South Africa bravely undertook as part of its new constitutional dispensation we are convinced that America - a beacon of freedom for many worldwide - can directly focus on healing and peace and achieve an outcome that prioritizes respect for and promotion of fundamental freedoms for all Americans.
“South Africa calls on all leaders to work together to end violence and to develop a set of measures that would serve to end the insecurity and harm experienced by many members of the African American community," concludes Pandor.