South africa Condemns US Human Rights Report as ‘Disinformation’
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JOHANNESBURG – The Department of International Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO) has voiced strong disapproval of the United States’ (US) recently published human rights report, labeling it a purposeful disinformation campaign.
The US state Department’s report alleges government involvement in arbitrary and unlawful killings, a claim vehemently denied by South African officials.
A key point of contention remains the issue of expropriation without compensation, which was formally enacted into law earlier this year, and continues to draw criticism from Washington.
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The report also mischaracterizes the horrific case of Lucodia Ndlovu and Mariah Makgato, allegedly killed and fed to pigs by a Limpopo farmer, as extrajudicial killings perpetrated by the government. DIRCO has described this portrayal as false and misleading.
DIRCO officials used strong language to describe the US report, citing “a-contextual information, discredited accounts, misleading and distortion.” They further criticized the US for refusing accountability through the UN human Rights Council’s multilateral peer review system.
South Africa maintains a transparent system with freely available information, contrasting sharply with what DIRCO considers a “one-sided, fact-free report” produced without due process or engagement.
Minister Ronald Lamola’s spokesperson,Chrispin Phiri,stated: “We register our profound disappointment with this report. We reject it. It is inaccurate and deeply flawed.”
While the US objects to South Africa’s land reform policies, the UN human Rights office has previously recognized expropriation without compensation as a potentially critical step towards addressing ancient injustices and achieving redress.
Background: US-South Africa Relations: Relations between the US and South Africa have experienced periods of both cooperation and tension, especially concerning trade and domestic policy. The US has consistently raised concerns about South Africa’s economic policies, including land reform, while South Africa has often criticized US foreign policy decisions.
Historical Context of Human Rights Reporting: The US State Department publishes annual human rights reports covering countries worldwide. These reports are often subject to scrutiny and debate, with governments frequently disputing their findings. The methodology and objectivity of these reports have been questioned by various international observers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DIRCO?
DIRCO stands for the Department of International Relations & Cooperation,South Africa’s foreign affairs ministry.
What is expropriation without compensation?
Expropriation without compensation refers to the South African government’s policy of redistributing land without providing financial compensation to the landowners, aiming to address historical land ownership inequalities.
What was the UN’s stance on South Africa’s land reform?
The UN human Rights office has described South Africa’s move towards expropriation without compensation as a potentially critical step towards redress.
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