JOHANNESBURG – The South African government still refuses to blame Russia for its war against Ukraine as it abstained again in the vote against its BRICS trading partner at the United Nations.
Russia was suspended from the United Nations Human Rights Council on Thursday after a vote at the world body’s General Assembly.
She passed the resolution with 93 votes in favor and 24 against.
58 Member States abstained, including South Africa.
South Africa’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Xolisa Mabhongo, told the assembly that the vote was premature as an investigation into the war crimes allegations was ongoing.
“We must enable the Commission to carry out its mandate urgently and report to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly on its findings.
“It is also imperative that all parties to the conflict allow the Commission to carry out its functions without hindrance or interference,” said Mabhongo.
