South Africa Dismisses Ghanaian ICC Petition on Migrant Attacks

South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has characterized a petition filed by Ghanaian citizens to the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning violence against migrants in South Africa as "opportunistic." DIRCO stated on March 13, 2024, that the petition, which argues that the attacks could constitute crimes against humanity, lacks merit and is an attempt to involve the ICC in domestic issues.

The Ghanaian petition, submitted by a group of citizens, alleges that the South African government has failed to protect foreign nationals, leading to persistent xenophobic violence. The petitioners seek an ICC investigation into these alleged failures and the subsequent attacks. However, DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela asserted that South Africa has a robust legal framework to address such incidents and that the government is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting all residents, regardless of nationality.

Monyela further explained that the South African government views the petition as an attempt to circumvent domestic legal processes and to politicize the issue of migration. DIRCO maintains that the country's judicial system is capable of handling cases of violence and discrimination. The department emphasized that South Africa has a history of engaging with international bodies constructively but will not tolerate attempts to undermine its sovereignty or domestic legal order.

DIRCO's statement also highlighted South Africa's ongoing efforts to combat xenophobia and promote social cohesion. The department indicated that while acknowledging the challenges associated with migration, the government is actively working with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and community leaders, to address the root causes of xenophobia and to ensure the safety and security of all individuals within its borders. The government reiterated its commitment to international law and human rights, while firmly rejecting what it perceives as an unwarranted external intervention.