Today marks the 50th anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, dealing with the treatment of the wounded or the sick in armed forces; the treatment of prisoners of war; and the protection of civilian persons in time of war.
The South African Government accords a high priority to the observance of international humanitarian law, and for this reason has decided to proceed with legislation incorporating the provisions of the Conventions in South African legislation.
This historic anniversary is an appropriate occasion to reflect on some of South Africa's other recent actions in the field of international humanitarian law.
On 17 July 1998, South Africa signed the Statute of the International Criminal Court, adopted in Rome on the same date. The Statute grants jurisdiction to the International Criminal Court to adjudicate over the crimes of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity wherever they may be committed. South Africa played an active role in the process leading to the adoption of the Statute, and is, together with partners in SADC, giving attention to ratifying the Statute.
On 26 June 1998 South Africa ratified the international Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. South Africa will continue to promote the universality of this Convention, particularly the removal of landmines, especially in the Southern African region, and provide assistance, as and were possible, for the care and rehabilitation of victims. Legislation implementing the provisions of this Convention is presently being drafted.
In addition to acceding to the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention (CCW) and its annexed Protocols on 13 September 1995, South Africa also declared itself bound by amended Protocol II as well as Protocol IV of the CCW on 26 June 1998. The new Protocol IV placed a prohibition on the use of laser weapons causing blindness, and amended Protocol II placed further restrictions on the use of landmines, booby-traps and other devices which have been used indiscriminately in a number of recent conflicts, particularly internal armed conflicts. They have already caused death and injury to millions of people worldwide, including innocent civilians.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
11 AUGUST 1999