From Freedom House

As South Africa takes its seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2019 and 2020, Freedom House releases the following statement:

“As a member of the Security Council – the United Nations’ most influential body – South Africa has a platform to be a vocal champion for democracy and respect for freedom on a global scale,” said Jon Temin, Director for Africa Programs at Freedom House. “Freedom House is heartened that South Africa is dedicating its time on the Security Council to fulfilling the legacy of President Nelson Mandela: standing up to injustice, challenging authority when it is used to further antidemocratic agendas, and advancing peace.”

Background:
South Africa takes its seat on the UN Security Council this week for the third time since its founding elections in 1994. Belgium, Germany, Indonesia and the Dominican Republic also joined the Council this week. Freedom House Africa Director Jon Temin and Richard Calland recently wrote about South Africa’s foreign policy under President Ramaphosa, which is beginning to align with democracy and rights norms, as demonstrated by South Africa’s recent decision to change its vote on a UN resolution condemning human rights abuses against the Rohingya in Myanmar.

South Africa is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2018, Partly Free in Freedom of the Press 2017, and Free in Freedom on the Net 2018.