Two Ghanaians have submitted a petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC), requesting an investigation into what they describe as attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, claiming the incidents could amount to crimes against humanity.
The South African government has dismissed the move as opportunistic.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the petition does not meet the statutory legal requirements for ICC intervention.
“Legislation such as the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act directly gives effect to the Republic’s obligations under the Constitution and international human rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other related intolerances,” said Phiri.
He added that South Africa’s legal framework provides for offences such as hate crimes and hate speech, ensuring that individuals accused of such offences can be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, DIRCO said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to support calls for migration to be placed on the African Union (AU) agenda when member states meet.
The department said Pretoria remains open to constructive and action-oriented discussions with ECOWAS on issues including migration management.
“We welcome the opportunity to engage on migration at the highest level of the African Union at the African Union Heads Summit, to ensure that migration across the continent becomes a choice rather than a necessity,” said Phiri.
He said a dedicated item on migration at the AU Heads of State Summit would help address the key push and pull factors behind irregular migration, with a focus on good governance, democracy and economic stability.