South African Ukrainians hail government’s stance against Russian attacks on civilians

The Ukrainian community in South Africa has welcomed the government’s strong condemnation of Russia’s strikes on civilians, underscoring how global voices of solidarity matter in defending Ukraine against aggression. 

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Sept. 10 expressed “deep concern about the indiscriminate attacks on civilians emanating from a Russian attack, which killed pensioners in the village of Yarova, in Eastern Ukraine.”

In response, the Association of South Africa (UAZA) has praised the South African government’s decisive condemnation of Russia’s attacks on civilians in Ukraine.

The department called for de-escalation and a ceasefire, stressing that “all parties to the conflict to abide by international law, including international humanitarian law obligations.”

“The deliberate targeting of non-combatants is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights laws and principles,” the statement said.

South Africa also emphasized its support for the efforts of the United Nations and other international partners to resolve the Russo-Ukrainian war through diplomatic means, including dialogue and other peaceful negotiation formats.

In response, the Ukrainian community highlighted that Russia has consistently violated international humanitarian law since 2014.

“More than 200,000 war crimes have been documented, including the recent killing of pensioners in Yarova,” the UAZA said.

The organization stressed that civilians must never be targeted.

“Thank you South Africa for standing up for peace, accountability, and protection of innocent lives,” the statement said.