Speeches

General Statement by the Republic of South Africa delivered by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi at the 63rd Annual Session of AALCO, Kampala, Uganda 7-12 September 2025

President and Vice President of AALCO,
Secretary-General Dr Pinitpuvadol,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,

We thank the Government and the people of the Republic of Uganda for graciously hosting and making it possible for this AALCO Session to take place on the African continent, and specifically, in the Pearl of Africa.

We wish also to thank the Secretary-General and the AALCO Secretariat, for all the extensive preparatory work which has gone into this Session.

Excellencies,
This is my AALCO inaugural address, since taking office as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

I would like to reaffirm that, as my predecessors have stated before, South Africa is committed to building a world in which Human rights are respected, characterised by equitable development and wherein international law serves humanity rather than the other way around.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
AALCO’s role is indispensable in advancing international law, and for enabling African-Asian States to contribute to its development. At this critical juncture, AALCO must not only serve as a bulwark against the erosion of the rule of law, but must serve to move us more concretely in shaping the international legal order.

South Africa has always advocated for a balanced approach to international justice - one that respects the fight against impunity, the principle of sovereignty, human rights and the rule of law. These are essential for the maintenance of international peace and security.

This year South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter – an aspirational document which laid the foundation for South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

The Freedom Charter envisions a shared humanity across oceans and valleys. In this regard, the Freedom Charter states that “South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation – not war.”

Next year, AALCO too, turns 70, which makes this an opportune moment for reflection of what has been achieved and be bold in our pursuit of a vision of the future world that is at peace with itself. This moment in our collective history, reinforces the need for legal cooperation, consolidation of our perspectives, and ensure that the voices of Asia and Africa help shape the progressive development of international law. The task before us is clear: to defend international law, to restore faith in multilateralism, and to uphold justice and equity for all peoples of the world.

Mr President, Excellencies,
South Africa’s foreign policy is grounded in dialogue, cooperation, and principled respect for international law. We are of the firm belief that the rule of law, not power, must guide international relations.

The International Court of Justice remains central to the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the International Criminal Court to fight against impunity.

But their authority depends on the willingness of States to comply. Where compliance is absent, all nations bear responsibility to act collectively to defend the international rule of law.

South Africa will continue to advocate for the reform of the global multilateral architecture so that it can be more reflective of the voices of all the nations of the world.

Under the current architecture we have witnessed a growing tendency of disregard for international law and violation of human rights with impunity.

The paralysis of the UN Security Council in the face of mass atrocities illustrates the need for comprehensive reform to make the Council more representative, democratic, and effective.

The reality is that the international legal architecture is under threat and the multilateral system is strained.

Punitive actions taken against judicial officers and international civil servants of the ICC from carrying out their legal mandates undermines the independence and integrity of the international mechanisms and are a direct affront to the principles of international justice.

South Africa urges AALCO to galvanise the collective and unified voice of its membership in articulating and reaffirming our commitment to international law, the rule of law, multilateralism, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

As lawyers, we must build the confidence and summon hope for peoples across the world that the international justice system is effective.

Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,
The promotion of human rights, such as civil and political rights are inseparable from economic and social rights, and must be advanced alongside the right to development and the rule of law. For the Global South, the struggle against poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment is integral to the realisation of human dignity across our continents.

In conclusion, Chair, the Bandung Principles of sovereignty, equality, and peaceful coexistence are under siege. AALCO must continue working towards achieving equity and solidarity, resisting fragmentation of the international order.

Our presence here as States must amplify the collective voice of Asia and Africa at this critical juncture, not only in this hall, but also outside of it - defending the rule of law and advancing an international order founded on justice, equity, and human dignity. South Africa looks forward to contributing to the very important deliberations that will take place during this Session.

I thank you Chair.