H.E. Naledi Pandor: Solutions Must Have Enforcement Power
Jan. 12—The following is the EIR transcript of the remarks by former South Africa Minister of International Affairs H. E. Naledi Pandor to the Jan. 12 EIR Emergency Roundtable. Subheads have been added.
NALEDI PANDOR: Thank you very much, Chairperson. Allow me to thank the Schiller Institute for allowing me to be a part of this very important debate. All of us have been reflecting on the multiple crises that we are facing in this geopolitical context. And concern has been expressed about the evident slide into chaos, and abuse of respect for international law and multilateralism. For many developing countries, and a number of progressive organizations, the events of this past year, while horrifying, are no surprise. They confirm our experience as developing countries, that most of the powerful countries of the West believe they have the power to ride roughshod over the rights of all non-European nations. Africa and other developing regions of the world have borne the brunt of colonial exploitation and underdevelopment for centuries. And the abuse the global community has silently permitted is now maturing into untrammeled abuse of global cooperation. Much of the flaws lie in the architecture of the United Nations, specifically its Security Council. And any solution we devise must address its fundamental reform and insert real enforcement power within the reformed body. World cooperation without effective protection of the vulnerable is a global weakness the global community must address.
I recall a few years ago, the African Union was in the midst of a multilateral political dilemma, when leaders of the then-government of Kenya were faced with an ICC indictment. The leaders of the African Union felt significant offense at what they regarded as an international law practice that seemed to find it easy to accuse and sanction Africans, and yet stridently justify Western leaders’ abuses of the same laws and institutions. The leaders discussed a possible continental exit from the Rome Statute, but eventually held that decision in abeyance, following exhaustive discussion and a desire for Africa not to be seen to disrespect international human rights law.
The leaders debated about the ICC warrant, how to respond to it, and whether, in the context of double standards by others, they should even be party to the statute. After several years of debating whether or not to exit, the African Union decided to remain as signatories of the statute. The reasons for this, I believe, lie in Kenya’s commitment to international human rights law. The government of Kenya had adopted a modern, rights-based constitution a few years before this debate, and appropriately felt their actions and response to the ICC needed to illustrate respect for the ICC, as rejection or retreat would imply diminished commitment.
Abuse of International Law
The current situation we’re experiencing of flagrant abuse of international law and multilateralism requires increased commitment to multilateralism and to respect and the strengthening of international treaties and conventions. The world is in the most dangerous situation of abuse of global law since the adoption of the United Nations Charter in 1948, and thus we certainly face the likelihood of a Third World War. Increased attention needs to be given to identifying initiatives that could secure global impetus for altering the slide into further global chaos and humanitarian disaster.
While the illegal events linked to Venezuela are extremely worrying, the fallout that will result from any attack on an already-abused Cuba would be catastrophic for that nation. The global community, particularly powerful member states of the UN from the West, have proven unable or disinterested in reasserting respect for law, when called on to act on the current abuses. Their inadequacy suggests a need to look elsewhere to strengthen international institutions that have shown a power to make a difference and an interest in making a difference. Formations, such as the BRICS formation, the G20, particularly with its developing-country membership, the recently established 30-country Hague Group, which has committed to respect international law, the African Union, and other regional bodies, should be persuaded to do more to return the world to multilateral engagement. The current lackadaisical response to U.S. Administration breaches has created a gaping hole for further breaches, and urgent action is required.
Human Rights Organizations Can Play Leadership Role
This might be a moment in which civil society organizations committed to human rights can play a global leadership role. Religious organizations need to be called on to unite with human rights non-governmental organizations, and to assert the vital need for global cooperation; as well as to agree on practices and partnerships which will support enhanced multilateral cooperation. We should include the United Nations as a central partner in such an initiative, and it must be so supported, with resources if required. Using the important commitments of the now 30-member Hague Group, this coalition for multilateralism could assert the critical importance of adherence to UN-agreed treaties and conventions. It could call on all who have breached international law and all perpetrators to face charges in global courts, and also provide support for communication and popular civic education on international law and the need for ordinary members of our societies to support international law.
The world must, in conclusion, unite in action, to reject the notion of “might is right,” and show this rejection in active partnership, and active protest against the abuses that we are seeing today. And we should also simultaneously act together to restore the legitimacy of multilateral cooperation. Thank you very much.