New Delhi, India - As multilateral institutions and rules face growing threats, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on BRICS countries to strengthen multilateralism through reform and action.
“Over many decades, multilateralism has shown itself to be effective in organising global relations, advancing human rights and promoting development. Yet, the relevance of the United Nations (UN) and the durability of multilateralism are now threatened by overt violations of the UN Charter and the resort to war to settle differences between Member States,” Ramaphosa said on Saturday.
The President was speaking during the closed session on Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India.
“It is up to BRICS to defend and strengthen that multilateral order. South Africa advocates a predictable global system based on international law, with the UN Charter at its centre,” he said.
The President said the challenges facing the world require a more inclusive and effective multilateral system, with BRICS having an important role to play.
He outlined several ways in which BRICS can contribute to strengthening the multilateral order.
“First, BRICS must remain a united voice for reform. It must advocate for a UN system that reflects current realities and in which all regions are effectively represented. Second, BRICS should demonstrate that multilateral cooperation delivers practical results.”
Through the New Development Bank and other areas of cooperation, the President said BRICS can help advance infrastructure development, sustainable growth, food security, health, industrialisation and climate resilience.
“Third, BRICS should help shape approaches to global governance that are fairer, more accountable and development-oriented.
“Fourth, BRICS is a bridge across geopolitical divides. In a fragmented world, dialogue matters more than confrontation. We should ensure that countries with developing economies have a meaningful voice in global decision-making and that power remains constrained by law,” he said.
Upholding international law
The President stressed that the international community must uphold international law and ensure that no country acts with impunity.
“And we must ensure that the voices of Africa and the Global South are fully reflected in shaping the future international order. South Africa advocates a predictable global system based on international law, with the UN Charter at its centre.
“An order founded on the sovereign equality of states, territorial integrity and political independence benefits all nations, large and small,” the President said.
He said the international order prohibits intervention in the internal affairs of other states and the use of force not consistent with Article 51 of the UN Charter or authorised by the Security Council.
It also obliges states to settle disputes peacefully and to respect human rights and self-determination.
Accountability
To give strength to international law, there must be accountability for atrocities, including those involving Palestinians, Sudan and Iran.
“We must exert pressure and expose violations whenever, and by whomever, they are committed. International law cannot be applied selectively: the same principles must apply to all states and the same protections must apply to all peoples.
“It is for this reason that South Africa and other Member States have turned to bodies like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to seek justice for the people of Palestine. We cannot allow the United Nations to disappear into irrelevance,” he said.
Africa's representation on UN Security Council
At the same time, President Ramaphosa said the UN and other global institutions don’t adequately reflect today's realities and are ill-equipped to address the challenges of the future.
“Africa accounts for 54 Member States of the United Nations and nearly one-fifth of humanity yet remains without permanent representation on the Security Council. This is neither just nor sustainable.
“South Africa reiterates its call for comprehensive Security Council reform that makes the Council more representative, accountable, transparent and effective.
“South Africa supports strengthening the wider UN system, including through the UN80 Initiative and a renewed United Nations focused on peace and security, human rights and humanitarian affairs, and socio-economic development,” he said.
President Ramaphosa arrived in India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit on Friday, with the Presidency saying South Africa will use the Summit to advance its diplomatic and economic priorities.
The President also addressed the BRICS Business Forum on Friday, where he said the ambition of governments and business communities must extend beyond increasing intra-BRICS trade to deepening productive relationships between economies.
Earlier on Saturday, President Ramaphosa addressed the India-South Africa Business Leadership Roundtable.-SAnews.gov.za
