The Democratic Alliance is calling on International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola to report Iran to the United Nations Human Rights Council following the deaths of more than two thousand people during a crackdown on anti government protests.
In a letter to Lamola, the party argued that Iran should face action for what it views as serious human rights violations in its response to the ongoing unrest.
The appeal comes as the Democratic Alliance again challenges the African National Congress on its foreign policy stance. The party has criticised the government for demanding action against the United States over its recent invasion of Venezuela, while not taking a similar position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Iran’s growing ties with South Africa have also come under renewed scrutiny, particularly after Iranian naval vessels took part in military exercises off the Cape Town coast. The development has drawn attention from the international community as United States President Donald Trump threatens increased trade tariffs against countries that maintain close relations with Iran.
The Democratic Alliance said Iran’s handling of the protests should prompt South Africa to reconsider its relationship with the country, which recently joined the BRICS group of nations.
Drawing comparisons between the Iranian demonstrations and South Africa’s own anti apartheid struggle, Democratic Alliance MP and international relations spokesperson Ryan Smith said the African National Congress is now confronted with a moral decision about whether it will stand with Iranian citizens or with those who seek to silence them.
Smith said that South Africa’s history places an obligation on the country to speak out on global platforms against any government that restricts freedom and endangers lives.
Facebook Comments