Dirco pours cold water over ICC petition to probe SA over alleged violence against foreigners
The South African government has dismissed a petition filed with the International Criminal Court regarding alleged violence against foreigners. Officials argue the petition lacks legal merit and fails to meet the court's jurisdictional requirements.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between international human rights oversight and national sovereignty, as well as the ongoing challenges regarding xenophobia in South Africa.
The international relations and co-operation department (Dirco) is not worried about the petition made to the International Criminal Court (ICC) against South Africa by two Ghanaian officials after the countrywide protests against undocumented foreigners.
Dirco on Thursday responded to a petition filed with the ICC to investigate the South African government for failing to act on the violence and alleged crimes committed against foreigners during the recent bout of anti-illegal immigrant protests.
According to several reports, the petition was filed by two Ghanaian officials on July 15, making a range of allegations against the government on what they say are systematic attacks against foreigners.
Pretoria has, however, poured cold water on the petition, saying it will not stand the test of the ICC.
“We view the petition submitted by two Ghanaian civilians as premature and without legal merit,” said Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri.
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