President Cyril Ramaphosa during the international summit on the protection of democracy in Barcelona, Spain (Photo: Presidency / X)
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sharply criticized the United Nations (UN) and warned that the organisation’s Security Council is failing to prevent conflict or stop genocide.
“It has become clear that bodies such as the UN Security Council are powerless to intervene in conflicts and prevent genocide,” says Ramaphosa in his latest weekly newsletter.
He says international institutions no longer function efficiently and must be urgently reformed.
Ramaphosa made these comments after attending an international summit on the protection of democracy in Barcelona, Spain, last weekend, where world leaders discussed the increasing pressure on democratic systems.
According to Ramaphosa, the UN must reaffirm its role in world affairs and structures such as the Security Council must be reformed to be more representative and efficient.
He believes that the current composition of international institutions no longer reflects the realities of the modern world and should be adjusted so that all countries and population groups have a stronger voice.
Ramaphosa also warns that countries should not be silenced when human rights are violated.
“We cannot allow ourselves to be bullied into remaining silent when the dignity and human rights of others are trampled upon,” he said.
New focus on inequality
Ramaphosa further expressed support for the establishment of an International Panel on Inequality, which should examine alternative policy options to tackle inequality worldwide.
The proposal stems from work South Africa commissioned during its G20 presidency, including a report by independent experts on global inequality.
According to him, the growing gap between rich and poor, within countries and between countries, is one of the biggest threats to stable democracies.
He emphasizes that democratic institutions are only sustainable if they bring tangible improvement in people’s lives and enable equal participation in decision-making.
Global tensions also affect SA
The president warns that the erosion of democracy and the increase in global conflict are not just distant problems, but have direct consequences for South Africa.
He refers to the influence of geopolitical tensions, as well as the increasing use of trade, foreign investment and aid as political instruments.
According to him, these developments directly affect South Africa’s economy and society and emphasize the importance of international stability.
Ramaphosa admits that a degree of mistrust in democratic values and institutions is also beginning to take hold within South Africa.
He says this mistrust is related to broader global trends where people are becoming increasingly skeptical about the value of human rights, equality and freedoms.
With Independence Day approaching, he calls on South Africans to recommit themselves to the protection and strengthening of democracy.
SA part of international democracy initiative
South Africa is part of the so-called “In Defense of Democracy” initiative, which brings countries together to face threats such as extremism, polarisation, nationalism and misinformation.
Ramaphosa says the country remains committed to this initiative and its goals to promote democratic values worldwide.
“Cooperation between countries is essential to overcome challenges such as poverty, inequality and underdevelopment, as these factors undermine the foundations of democracy,” added Ramaphosa.