Gekopieër
US report on human rights: Solidarity to attend meeting in Washington soon
Solidarity leaves for the USA in September for talks to be held with the US Department of State, influential American politicians, diplomats and other stakeholders.
The visit follows the publication of a report by the US Department of State in which serious concerns are expressed regarding the deterioration of human rights in South Africa over the past year.
The report refers, among other things, to the incitement of attacks on Afrikaner farmers through the singing of the song “Kill the Boer” by members of the EFF, as well as to a broader pattern in which minority groups, and specifically Afrikaners, are targeted in South Africa. These findings, together with other human rights issues, will be on the agenda when Solidarity meets with decision-makers and interest groups in Washington D.C.
According to Jaco Kleynhans, head of international liaison at Solidarity, Solidarity intends to address a comprehensive list of issues. These include the following:
The abolition of race-based legislation and policies in South Africa, as such measures not only exacerbate economic exclusion and discrimination but also contribute to increasing social divisions.
Restoring and strengthening diplomatic relations between South Africa and the US, which have deteriorated significantly during the years under ANC rule. This deterioration is attributed to policy differences, increasing geopolitical tensions and a noticeable lack of constructive dialogue between these two countries.
The establishment of a fair and mutually beneficial trade agreement between the US and South Africa is of crucial importance to provide real benefits to all South Africans – regardless of race or political affiliation.
However, Kleynhans pointed out that the prevailing tension in the relationship between the countries largely stems from the unwillingness of the ANC and the government to negotiate constructively with the US on these matters. This attitude has contributed to the breakdown of relations between these two countries.
“The aim of our visit to Washington is not only to bring these challenges to the attention of American policymakers, but also to present practical and feasible solutions,” Kleynhans explained.
“Solidarity and other stakeholders intend to provide proposals on how the US and other international partners can play a role in improving the human rights climate in South Africa and broadening economic opportunities for all citizens.
“The government’s continued unwillingness to engage in self-examination exacerbates poverty, erodes race relations and undermines international relations as well as support for the country.”
Solidarity is sceptical about the government’s willingness to engage in self-examination, as the South African government has already rejected the American report, dismissing it as “an inaccurate, deeply flawed account that fails to reflect the reality of [the country’s] constitutional democracy”.
Kleynhans hopes that the talks with the US later this year can lay the foundation for more robust bilateral relations and for concrete steps to protect the rights and safety of minorities in South Africa.
