South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the end of apartheid and the UN’s role in combating it during his opening speech.
He emphasized that genocide is a global moral failing, just as apartheid was recognized as a crime against humanity.
Ramaphosa condemned the recent Hamas attack, which resulted in significant loss of life, while also criticizing Israel’s actions against Palestinians as collective punishment.
He noted the ongoing violence in Gaza, citing over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and calling the situation a continuation of decades of oppression.
He insisted that South Africa, having experienced apartheid, will not stand by silently and urged for an end to the suffering of Palestinians through the UN, stressing that international law should be applied equally to all nations.