Please be informed that the Embassy will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period from 25 December 2019 to 3 January 2020.  The Embassy will reopen on 6 January 2020.

For emergencies only please call Tel: 964 151 989

The Embassy wishes you a happy and safe Christmas!

This year marks 42 years since the United Nations (UN) General Assembly established the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The commemoration of this day seeks to galvanise global action towards ending the occupation of Palestine.

The Government and the people of South Africa join the international community in reiterating our unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine. On the eve of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the UN, South Africa urges the global community to act purposively towards a just and peaceful end of the occupation as guided by international law.

South Africa is concerned by the actions of the Government of Israel which seek to foreclose the final status issues, thereby disregarding UN Security Council resolutions on the Middle East Peace Process.

A just ending of the occupation must address disputes regarding the borders for a viable two-state solution, the return of all Palestinian refugees, the status of East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian State and halting all illegal settlements.

South Africa calls on all key stakeholders to ensure that all obligations under international law are met in order for a peaceful and just ending of the occupation of Palestine.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

SA from 25 November is marking 16 days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children. This is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Other key commemorative days during this period include World Aids Day on the 1st December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on 3 December of every year.

The official opening of the 2019 16 Days Campaign will take place in Limpopo, SA  on 25 November under the theme: Enough is Enough – 356 days to Gender-Based violence and Femicide (GBVF).

Given the scourge of Gender-Based violence in the country, which is declared a national address, government is implementing the Emergency Response Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which was announced by President Cyril in September 2019.

The 16 Days Campaign forms the centre point of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. At the end of the campaign on 10 December 2019, government will officially launch the 365 Days Behavioural Change Campaign.

During the 16 Days period, Government together with civil society and the private sector will host a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with GBVF.

a.    Be an activist against GBV in your homes, communities, work and positions:

•Challenge cultures and practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and consequent abuse of women and children at personal and societal level.

b.    Play your part:

•Reject and report abusers- Act and don’t look away!

•Do not protect abusers, report them!

•Sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence. Do not engage in abusive activities and become an abuser- Stop abuse.

•Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities

•Be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims - share helpful information and support causes near you.

•Seek personal help to change harmful behaviors such as alcohol and substance abuse

•Teach children values of gender equality

•Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on internet and social media, including pornography, sexual solicitation

•Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.

•Organise targeted community outreach and dialogues on solution towards a gender equal society.

Together, let us take actions to support the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

To read the Newsletter (04 November) from the Desk of the President of the Republic of South Africa, please click on the link