Russia and South Africa Agree on Opposing Politicisation of Human Rights Issues

Moscow (ANTARA) - Russia and South Africa have agreed to coordinate measures within UN forums and oppose the use of human rights issues as an instrument of geopolitical pressure, stated Grigory Lukiyantsev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Human Rights Cooperation at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lukiyantsev met with South Africa’s Deputy Director-General for Global Governance and Continental Agenda, Xolisa Mabhongo, in Pretoria on Wednesday.

“Special attention was given to the coordination of measures in international forums, particularly within the UN,” Lukiyantsev wrote on Telegram.

“We discussed in depth the efforts to combat the politicisation of human rights issues and their use as an instrument of geopolitical pressure and unfair competition. We agreed on the need to maintain the impartiality of international institutions, strictly adhere to the UN Charter, and eliminate double standards in assessing human rights situations worldwide,” he further stated.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both parties also focused on joint efforts to combat racism and racial discrimination, including supporting various related initiatives at the UN and preparing for the 25th anniversary of the World Conference against Racism held in Durban, South Africa.

Furthermore, the two diplomats agreed to continue close cooperation in commemorating several important milestones this year, including the anniversary of the International Covenant on Human Rights and the UN Declaration on the Right to Development.

The consultation reaffirmed the high level of understanding between the two nations and opened new prospects for strengthening the strategic partnership between Russia and South Africa at the international level, according to Lukiyantsev.