Media Statement by South Africa on the commemoration of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, 26 June 2020

Media Statements

Media Statement by South Africa on the commemoration of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, 26 June 2020

South Africa today joins the international community in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations.

South Africa wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the United Nations Charter and its support for the primacy of the UN as a system of global governance through which current challenges facing the international community, including in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development and human rights, could be resolved.

In recognising this historical milestone, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Naledi Pandor, stated: “The United Nations, as a system of global governance has made an immense contribution in maintaining international peace and security, fostering cooperation among states, promoting development, the adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights. It has also played a pivotal role in educating and informing the global community about challenges the world currently faces. The contribution that the UN has made to the people of South Africa, through its role in the dismantling of the inhumane and oppressive system of apartheid, will always be hailed and appreciated”.

The signing of the Charter of the United Nations in San Francisco on 26 June 1945 was a seminal moment in the relations between States and invoked a sense of unity for a common cause for humanity. The UN Charter remains the basis for the creation of a rules-based international system with multilateralism at its core.

Today, the world faces new global challenges which warrant a renewed commitment by the international community to uphold and defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the principles of international law with a view to establishing a peaceful and prosperous world, as well as a just and equitable world order. South Africa remains concerned at the growing resort to unilateralism and unilaterally imposed coercive measures that undermine the UN Charter and international law and threaten cooperation, peace and stability.

The commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the UN Charter comes at a time when the world is faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic reminds us once more of the vital importance of collective action through multilateral system with the UN and its agencies at the core.

The commemoration of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations will be convened today, Friday, 26 June 2020 at 15:00 (SA time) at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event can also be viewed through the following live streaming links:

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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