South Africa has strongly criticized a U.S. government report on human rights, calling it "inaccurate" and "deeply flawed" for allegedly misrepresenting the nation's constitutional progress. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) stated the 2024 report failed to acknowledge judicial independence and ongoing reforms.
DIRCO specifically challenged claims about "extrajudicial killings," noting a cited farmworker death case remains under active court review. "It is premature to draw conclusions while our judiciary is handling the matter," officials said, emphasizing South Africa's robust legal frameworks.
The U.S. report cited land expropriation policies and police conduct as key concerns. DIRCO countered by highlighting the UN Human Rights Office's endorsement of the Expropriation Act as vital for addressing historical racial disparities in land ownership. Police use of force, the department added, undergoes strict oversight through established accountability mechanisms.
This diplomatic clash comes amid heightened global scrutiny of human rights assessments and their geopolitical implications. Analysts suggest such disputes underscore broader debates about sovereignty and international perceptions of domestic policy reforms.
