KEY POINTS
- South Africa human rights report rejected as biased and flawed.
- Pretoria accuses U.S. of double standards on global rights.
- Dispute deepens already strained South Africa–U.S. relations.
South Africa has pushed back forcefully against Washington’s latest assessment of its human rights record, dismissing the U.S. State Department’s annual report as inaccurate, biased, and “deeply flawed.”
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the 21-page review distorted constitutional protections and misrepresented the country’s justice system.
South Africa human rights report sparks diplomatic tension
The U.S. report, released earlier this week, alleged worsening conditions in South Africa, citing land expropriations from Afrikaners, abuses against minorities, and claims of extrajudicial killings in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal. DIRCO rejected the findings as misleading, insisting that suspects are formally arraigned in court and that the conclusions were based on discredited sources.
Officials in Pretoria accused Washington of hypocrisy, pointing to America’s own unresolved human rights issues, including racial inequality and systemic violence.
“The U.S. refuses to subject itself to international oversight but continues to pass judgment on others,” DIRCO said.
South Africa human rights dispute strains U.S. ties
Analysts say the spat underscores a deepening rift between the two countries. Zimkhita Nene, an international relations expert, noted that South Africa’s constitution not only meets international standards but goes further by embedding socioeconomic rights.
She contrasted that with U.S. movements such as Black Lives Matter, which expose persistent racial violence.
Relations between Pretoria and Washington have already been tense in recent years. South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and its criticisms of U.S. foreign policy have tested the partnership.
Under former President Donald Trump, Washington slashed aid to South Africa and expelled its ambassador after disputes over governance.
According to Africa News, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola recently warned that persistent interference by Washington has driven ties “to a low,” leaving both countries navigating a fragile diplomatic path.
