In a striking move, South Africa broke ranks with its BRICS partners to support a UN General Assembly resolution demanding Russia return thousands of Ukrainian children abducted during the war. The resolution, backed by 91 countries, calls for the “immediate, safe, and unconditional return” of all forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. It also urges Russia to halt further deportations and family separations. South Africa’s ambassador to the UN explained that the vote was rooted in the nation’s unwavering commitment to children’s rights and international law, emphasizing that children should never be politicized. This stance builds on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s direct appeals to Vladimir Putin and aligns with South Africa’s role in a multinational initiative to secure the children’s return. The move has been warmly received by Ukraine’s diaspora in South Africa, who praised the nation for prioritizing humanity over political alliance.
Daily Maverick
