AU resolution on African leaders disgraceful

The resolution by the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit that sitting heads of state should not be put on trial by the International Criminal Court (ICC) is disgraceful. 

Heads of state who violate human rights or take part in criminal activity must be held responsible for their actions and face the full consequences of the law. 

The AU cannot be selective about the protection of human rights.

The DA will write to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Hargreaves Magama, requesting that he summon Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane to Parliament to provide a full briefing to the committee on the South African government's stance on the AU's resolution and the reasons for it.

If the South African government is revealed to be in complete support of the AU's resolution, this support must be immediately withdrawn.

South Africa cannot be party to any form of resolution or bid that will compromise the human rights entrenched in our Constitution.

The DA will await the Minister's direction and do everything possible to ensure that the AU's position is not supported by our country.

Statement issued by Ian Davidson MP, DA Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, October 14 2013

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