Ramaphosa bemoans the protracted apartheid meted out against Palestinians
Ramaphosa was addressing the 79th United Nations (UN) General Assembly session in New York - which kicked off on Tuesday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday 24 September 2024. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa says while the United Nations has played an important role in ending apartheid in South Africa, the system continues in Palestine.
Ramaphosa was addressing the 79th United Nations (UN) General Assembly session in New York - which kicked off on Tuesday.
The gathering will continue through Saturday, 28 September, and conclude on Monday, 30 September 2024.
Israel has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians since October in its war with Hamas.
This was after the armed group killed more than a thousand people and took others hostage.
Palestinians have been living under Israeli occupation for decades.
Ramaphosa said South Africa's democracy was made possible by the UN declaring apartheid a crime against humanity.
"Today, democracy flourishes in South Africa, we have a progressive Constitution, an entrenched human rights culture and a strong institution."
As the war between Hamas and Israel rages on Ramaphosa said South Africa would not remain silent and watch as apartheid is perpetrated against others in Gaza.
"Through the United Nations and the instruments it wields, we must end the suffering that Palestinians are being subjected to. We are called upon to uphold the principles of the UN Charter."
"Through dialogue, through respect for the rule of law, through the advancement of human rights, through cooperation and solidarity, we can – and we will – achieve a better world."
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) September 24, 2024
Address by President @CyrilRamaphosa at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly
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RAMAPHOSA SLAMAS UN SECURITY COUNCIL
Ramaphosa has criticised the UN Security Council for not fulfilling its mandate to maintain international peace and security.
Members of the African Union have for many years called for permanent representation at the security.
"Africa and its 1.4 billion people remain excluded from its key decision-making structure. This cannot continue, the Security Council has not fulfilled its mandate to maintain international peace and security."