The Human Rights Institute of South Africa has expressed disappointment at the South African vote against a resolution by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council on civil society.
The resolution, aimed at creating safe spaces for civil society to operate, was passed on 1 July with 31 votes for, 7 against, and 9 abstentions.
The resolution, known as A/HRC/32/L.29, was introduced by Chile, Ireland, Japan, Sierra Leone and Tunisia. It was widely supported by civil society around the world; 244 organisations signed an open letter urging members of the Council to vote for the adoption of the resolution, including the Human Rights Institute of South Africa and international organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch which have a presence in the country.
The resolution is fuelled by a concern that “in many countries, persons and organizations engaged in promoting and defending human rights and fundamental freedoms frequently face threats, harassment and attacks and suffer insecurity as a result of those activities.”
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Behind China’s Waltz with African Dictators: Why does China Invest in Oppressive Regimes?
Traditionally, aid and trade with Africa has been subject to various conditions set by the providers. The West has been the main proponent of this idea, advancing the idea that aid and trade cannot come with no strings attached. Africa has called out the West for trying to use aid and trade for purposes of advancing its own political aspirations in Africa. As if deliberately taking advantage of the weakness of the relationship of the West with Africa, China had of late come in with ideas that are in direct opposition to the West’s. Where Western capital attempted to use its financial clout to influence the political future of African countries, China is silent and turns a blind eye. It turns a blind eye even where tyrants rule and oppress their own citizens. Beijing’s one true motivation seems to be getting commodities at the best possible prices and getting a market for its own products. This has been the fuel for the commodity boom which has now been affected by the slowdown in Chinese growth.
All about the money?
A New York University study says trade between Africa and China rose from $10 billion in 2000 to $166 billion in 2011 which translates to a sixteen fold increase. The Aid budget also rose from $1.7 billion in 2001 to a solid $189 billion in 2011. The trade and aid have not been selectively given to the so called “democracies” in Africa; everyone, even the dictators have a fair share. It has been said that, “China is easier to do business with because it doesn’t care about human rights in Africa – just as it doesn’t care about them in its own country. All the Chinese care about is money.”
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Disappointment at SA’s vote against UN move to strengthen civil society
The Human Rights Institute of South Africa has expressed disappointment at the South African vote against a resolution by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council on civil society.
The resolution, aimed at creating safe spaces for civil society to operate, was passed on 1 July with 31 votes for, 7 against, and 9 abstentions.
The resolution, known as A/HRC/32/L.29, was introduced by Chile, Ireland, Japan, Sierra Leone and Tunisia. It was widely supported by civil society around the world; 244 organisations signed an open letter urging members of the Council to vote for the adoption of the resolution, including the Human Rights Institute of South Africa and international organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch which have a presence in the country.
The resolution is fuelled by a concern that “in many countries, persons and organizations engaged in promoting and defending human rights and fundamental freedoms frequently face threats, harassment and attacks and suffer insecurity as a result of those activities.”
Source
Uganda introduces online visa application
The Government of Uganda has introduced the online visa application system with effect from
July 1.
Anyone intending to come to Uganda for tourism, business, study, medical or other reasons are required to apply and obtain a visa online. Types of visas that can be applied for online include multiple-entry, diplomatic and official, ordinary, East Africa tourist visa and transit visa.
Home Affairs monitoring Beitbridge tension
Pretoria – The home affairs department is monitoring the situation at the Beitbridge port of entry between South Africa and Zimbabwe following violent disruptions on Friday.
“Following the resolution of the standoff between South African traders in the Musina area and Zimbabweans entering South Africa we can confirm that the port of entry is operational today [Saturday] and no incidences have been reported,” the department said in a statement.
“Working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) we will observe developments closely to ensure ease of travel at the port of entry.
“To this end, we wish to confirm that the violent acts that have been portrayed on social media, including the burning of buildings, took place on the Zimbabwean side and not alongside the borderline as reported,” the department said.
It was reported earlier that protesters torched a section of the border warehouse in Beitbridge on Friday as they demonstrated against the Zimbabwean government’s decision to “ban” most imports and promote locally-manufactured products.
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