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Angela Quintal of CPJ.
When Minister Lindiwe Sisulu made public the explanation given by the Tanzanian authorities of the reasons for their detention of Angela Quintal and Muthoki Mumo, this was unfortunately misinterpreted as an apologia for the acts of the Tanzanian authorities and the treatment of women. two journalists.
Clayson Monyela is Public Diplomacy Officer in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
On the occasion of her first speech on the budget vote in the portfolio of international relations and cooperation, the Minister of the Department of International Relations Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, reaffirmed the determination of Africa South to promote human rights as one of the pillars of our foreign policy. .
The minister told Parliament that the foundations of South Africa's foreign policy rested on human rights, peace, equality and protection against oppression. "We who have suffered so much," said the minister, "we can not afford to suffer in any part of the world".
This pledge should allay recent fears about South Africa's reaction to detention in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, members of the Committee to Protect Journalists, Angela Quintal and Muthoki Mumo.
When Minister Sisulu made public the explanation provided by the Tanzanian authorities about the reasons for their arrest of the two press freedom activists, this was unfortunately misinterpreted as a pardon.ctions of the Tanzanian authorities and the treatment paid to both journalists.
A statement issued by the National Forum of South African Editors expressed concern over the "brutal actions of the Tanzanian government that Quintal and Mumo entered [Tanzania] incorrect visas ".
South Africa will not give up promoting and defending human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of speech and freedom of the press. South Africa is one of the leading champions of human rights at the regional, continental and global levels.
Minister Sisulu is aware of South Africa's role as a symbol of hope for many media professionals in Africa and around the world. Under his leadership, South African diplomats will continue to use their offices to defend the right of journalists to play their role of watchdog without fear, favoritism or prejudice.
South Africa will continue to use diplomatic and other channels, including the African Union, to sensitize its sister African States to the culture and human rights situation on our continent. It is encouraging to see more leaders in the world, and on our continent in particular, speak more clearly about the need to respect and enforce human rights.
More and more African states are turning to democracy and good governance. The AU has recorded its intolerance of undemocratic practices. Human Rights Watch's "World Report 2018" highlights that:
"One of the most encouraging responses to anti-rights autocrats could be found in Africa. The report highlights new efforts to strengthen democratic governance in parts of Africa, including countries such as The Gambia and Zimbabwe.
South Africa has a moral and legal obligation not only to defend and respect human rights within its borders, but also to do so on the international stage. The same obligation is incumbent on other members of the international community. The Charter of the United Nations enjoins the members of the organization to respect "respect for the principle of the equal rights and self-determination of peoples and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace ".
South Africa will continue to play a leading role in promoting greater respect for human rights in the context of an increasingly progressive African continent, adhering to good governance and promoting development. socioeconomic. Minister Sisulu is among those who will defend this renaissance of our great continent. DM
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