South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged nations to renew their commitment to international law, warning that global conflicts and displacement are testing principles of justice and accountability…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Ramaphosa made the remarks on Thursday at the Access to Justice International Conference in North West Province, calling for stronger international dialogue, cooperation and innovation to improve justice systems worldwide.
He stressed that international law must apply equally to all nations, regardless of their political influence, economic strength or status.
Millions of people around the world are suffering from conflict and displacement, while those responsible for violating international law often escape accountability, he said.
Ramaphosa called for greater protection of civilians and said accountability and human dignity must remain central to the international legal system.
“There cannot be one standard of justice for the powerful and another for the weak. The credibility of the international legal order depends on its fairness, its consistency and its independence,” he said.
He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism and called for stronger international institutions to improve access to justice.
“We believe that respect for international law is essential to building a more peaceful, just and equitable world,” he said.
The President also highlighted the need to ensure access to justice for ordinary people, including workers facing workplace challenges, women experiencing violence, consumers involved in contractual disputes and families facing eviction.
The three-day conference, running from Wednesday to Friday, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution.
Held under the theme “Strengthening People-Centred Justice Systems: Deepening Democracy”, the conference aims to promote international dialogue on improving people-centred and victim-responsive justice systems.
It also seeks to examine global and regional efforts to expand access to justice, with particular attention to people’s experiences of justice systems.
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