By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The time is imminent for African countries and governments to be more proactive in joining the Global Initiative to bolster International Human Law (IHL) which has been established in order to find solutions against the ever growing conflicts around the world.
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes held a high-level event in Pretoria where he addressed this call for African countries to participate.
“This initiative emerged in response to the growing urgency to strengthen respect for IHL amidst the intensifying human costs of modern armed conflicts.It aims to promote renewed international dialogue and practical engagement on IHL, with the goal of reaffirming a shared global commitment to preserving humanity in times of war.” said Alvin Botes in his address.
The Global Initiative which was established by Brazil, France, China, Kazakhstan, Jordan and South Africa aims at combatting all the serial injustices that infringe on Human rights of civilians. The Global Initiative was founded in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The primary objective of the initiative is to host critical renewed dialogue and to cooperate with IHL in the current geopolitical landscape which is plagued by conflict.
“We have brought you here today as Heads of African Diplomatic Missions based in Pretoria, with the express aim of encouraging wider African Union State Participation and recognising the valuable contributions of African States to a more inclusive and representative International Conversation on IHL” added Botes at the High-Level event in Pretoria.
With South Africa being the only African Country within the global initiative it is more imperative to have this call for participation of more African governments as there are currently more than 20 conflicts, the most notable ones being the wars in Congo and Sudan.
Minister Botes highlighted the conflict between Israel and the people of Palestine and has called for more proactive engagement on the conflict; “Historical evidence suggests that Israel is committed to actions against Palestinians that some view as ethnic cleansing through ongoing conflict.”
The President of the ICRC, Mirjana Spoljaric, among other delegates in attendance have also joined the call for African governments to be more active and to join the Global Initiative.
“African States have a critical role to play in making this initiative a success.” said Mirjana.
Other delegates in attendance such as Salih Omar Abdu, who serves as Ambassador of Eritrea to South Africa has also joined the call as well and spoke at the High-level event; “Let us work to make Africa a place where her sons and daughters can live in peace, realise their potential, and contribute to a prosperous and stable future” said Abdu.
“We need more stability and stronger respect for IHL if we want to build peace, security, and sustainable development as set out in the 20230 agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Without peace, Africa cannot fully use its rich mineral and natural resources to benefit our people.” he added in terms of mounting conflicts and natural disasters that are ravaging Africa.