“We condemn the continued export of South African coal to Israel at a time when South Africa has placed evidence before the International Court of Justice of genocide against the Palestinian people.”
This is according to the South African Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Coalition. The statement comes after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) confirmed that there is a plausible risk of genocide in January 2024.
“This triggered obligations under international law on all states to prevent genocide, avoid complicity, and ensure that they do not aid or assist in internationally wrongful acts,” said the coalition.
The coalition added that South African coal continues to be exported to and used in Israel’s electricity system, which, according to the coalition, constitutes material support for actions under international scrutiny.
Speaking to VOC News, the coalition’s Roshan Dadoo said that, despite addressing the matter with ministers and officials, they have received no response to date.
“The coalition submitted formal demands to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, calling on him to use his authority to regulate export permits and stop private companies from sending coal to Israel,” stated Dadoo.
“SA BDS also issued an urgent demand to the Minister of Transport, calling for immediate steps to investigate, detain, and prohibit vessels intending to load or transport South African coal to Israel,” she noted.
The SA BDS Coalition maintains that the South African government’s constitutional and international legal duties are clear and unequivocal, and that it already has the authority under existing laws to act immediately to stop these complicit exports.
Stay tuned to VOC’s PM Drive show for the latest developments on this matter.
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