South Africa: ICRC president visits Pretoria as part of global effort to build political commitment to international humanitarian law
The meeting also included the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Ronald Lamola.
“Today we see the horrific humanitarian consequences resulting from the rules of war being bent, broken or outright ignored,” said President Spoljaric. “As one of the six founding states of the Global IHL Initiative, South Africa is playing a critical role in reviving respect for these life-saving rules globally. With over one-third of armed conflicts taking place in Africa, I hope more countries across the continent will join this exceptional effort to unite states around a shared commitment to preserve humanity in war.”
In September 2024, South Africa, together with Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and the ICRC, launched a Global Initiative to galvanize political commitment to international humanitarian law. To date, 118 states, including 27 African countries, have officially joined the initiative.
These efforts will culminate in a high-level conference hosted by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein in Jordan on 7 December, where states will reaffirm their commitment to upholding the rules of war.
While in Pretoria, President Spoljaric also met with Advocate Mothibedi Panyane, president of the South African Red Cross Society, about their humanitarian work across the country.
The ICRC has been active in South Africa since 1963, beginning with visits to prisoners, including the late President Nelson Mandela on Robben Island. Today, the ICRC works with the South African government, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and partners across the region to address humanitarian challenges and promote respect for the laws of war.
About the ICRC
Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to relieve suffering and preserve human dignity during war and armed violence. Alongside our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, we deliver life-saving aid across front lines and strive to reconnect families and locate missing people.
Engaging with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, we advocate for humane treatment of detainees and urge compliance with international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm, including online.
For more information, please contact:
Phumzile Mlangeni, ICRC Pretoria, +27 79 650 6387, pmlangeni@icrc.org
Eleonore Asomani, ICRC Dakar, +221 781 864 687, easomani@icrc.org
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