SA calls for mediation talks to end Russia-Ukraine conflict

In bid to end the on-going Russia-Ukraine war, South Africa has pledged for humanitarian assistance, by calling for the United Nations to act swiftly and in immediate response to end the conflict between the two countries.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, and launched missiles attacks, where over 977 civilians were killed and 1,594 were lives as a matter of the the bloody war.

As part of seeking resolution on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, SA called on the UN General Assembly, to adopt a resolution on the humanitarian solution affecting the people of conflict.

“This will be based on the principles governing humanitarian assistance namely, humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence,” read a statement issued by the department of international relations and cooperation.

According to the UN’s constitution, these principles provide foundations for humanitarian action and are central to establishing and maintaining access to those affected.

“An important aspect of the resolution is to express concern at the humanitarian situation and call on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law.

In the previous UN sitting, South Africa abstained from a resolution that made the General Assembly’s consensus difficult,” statement further read.

“At this point, it remains extremely important that all parties involved in the conflict are committed to humanitarian principle. They are also bound to the UN humanitarian response and their outcome they adopt,” said department’s spokesperson Clayson Monyela.

Monyela said the country then saw the need to propose the alternative text, focusing on the humanitarian plight of the affected.

“Furthermore, SA called for a UN outcome aimed at stopping hostilities as the first step towards bettering the humanitarian situation,” he added.

“South Africa has emphasised the importance of all parties abiding by humanitarian law and all Geneva Conventions protocols.

It remains critical that, aside from addressing humanitarian needs of the people, this approach must also pave the way for the parties to engage in “constructive and meaningful dialogue,” he addressed further,

He also added that SA stands firm that the only way to deescalate the current conflict is through dialogue, mediation and diplomacy.