Govt affords diplomatic immunity for BRICS attendees

The notice was declared in line with the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act.

The notice comes amid pressure on the government to make a decision on the attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes allegedly committed during his country’s invasion of Ukraine.

South Africa is a signatory to the Rome Statute and will have a legal obligation to arrest Putin if and when he sets foot in the country.

In the gazette, International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor stated that immunity is given for both the BRICS ministerial meeting, which is due to take place on 1 June, and the BRICS summit in August.

“In accordance with section 6(1)(a) of the said Act, the immunities and privileges to be accorded to the participants of the BRICS Ministerial Meeting and the BRICS Summit for the duration of both meetings are those provided for in the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the 1947 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of Specialised Agencies, as may be applicable and for their effective participation in the Ministerial Meeting and the Summit.”

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