South Africa abstains from UN vote and calls for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine
South Africa chose to abstain from a vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) yesterday, during which a non-binding resolution that demands an immediate stop of Russia’s war in Ukraine was was adopted by an overwhelming majority of member states.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson Clayson Monyela says that although South Africa abstained from the vote, their approach was to adopt a resolution on humanitarian assistance.
“South Africa’s approach has been that in the current context of the conflict in Ukraine, it is necessary for the United Nations to adopt a resolution on the humanitarian situation affecting the people of Ukraine that is based on the principles that govern humanitarian assistance, namely, humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.
“These principles provide the foundations for humanitarian action and are central to establishing and maintaining access to those affected. An important aspect of this resolution must be to express concern at the humanitarian situation and call on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law.”
ALSO READ: Zondo vows to do everything in his power to ensure independent judiciary
Monyela says South Africa called for a UN outcome that will first and foremost focus on calling for the cessation of hostilities as the first step towards ameliorating the humanitarian situation.
“It remains pivotal that aside from addressing the humanitarian needs of the people it must also lay the foundation for the parties to engage in constructive and meaningful dialogue.”
However, the resolution South Africa placed received 50 votes for, 67 against and 36 abstentions, and was therefore not adopted.
