South Africa's Position Statement at the United Nations General Assembly: Draft Resolution on the Return of Children in Ukraine

Key Chapter Title List

1. Background of the Emergency Special Session and Resolution Theme
2. South Africa's Fundamental Position on the Ukraine Conflict: Call for Ceasefire and Negotiations
3. Broad Concerns Regarding the Consequences of the Conflict: Regional and International Impact
4. Clear Stance on the Plight of Children in the Conflict: Opposition to Displacement and Abuse
5. Statement of Principle Supporting the Swift Return of Children to Families or Welfare Systems
6. Reaffirmation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Supremacy of Children's Rights
7. Opposition to the Politicization of Children's Rights Issues
8. South Africa's Role Positioning as a Mediator in the Conflict
9. Prudent Attitude and Verification Requirements Regarding the Specific Content of the Draft Resolution
10. Emphasis on the Path of Peaceful Resolution and the South Africa-led Quadripartite Cooperation Initiative
11. Summary of the Legal and Moral Basis for the Voting Position

Document Introduction

This document is the full text of the official statement explaining the voting position of the Republic of South Africa, delivered on December 3, 2025, during the resumed session of the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly, regarding a draft resolution on the return of Ukrainian children. The statement directly presents the South African government's official position, legal basis, and diplomatic strategy on the specific humanitarian issue of child protection and repatriation, which is particularly severe against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It is a key text for understanding how South Africa, and indeed some Global South countries, balance principles, law, and pragmatic diplomacy in complex geopolitical crises.

The statement begins by reiterating South Africa's consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict: calling for an immediate ceasefire and genuine inclusive negotiations without preconditions, based on international law and the UN Charter, to achieve a peaceful solution. South Africa emphasizes the inviolability of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and expresses ongoing concern over the escalation of the conflict and its political, socio-economic impact at local, regional, and international levels, particularly on the food and energy security of developing countries. Within this macro context, the plight of Ukrainian children is defined as one of the unfortunate social consequences resulting from the ongoing conflict.

On the core issue of child protection, South Africa's position is clear and principled. The statement explicitly expresses regret over the displacement of children during the conflict and calls on all parties to the conflict to refrain from actions leading to the displacement and abuse of children, especially those that violate the core provisions of international law and international humanitarian law. South Africa unreservedly supports the swift return of all displaced children to their families or designated welfare systems, enabling them to recover and live lives free from violence in a social environment that respects their identity and upholds their humanity. The statement cites the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a cornerstone, emphasizing the universality and supremacy of children's inherent rights, and that their best interests must be the primary consideration in any decision concerning them.

South Africa demonstrates a unique diplomatic posture in the statement. It strongly opposes the politicization of children's rights and lives, believing that children should not be used as bargaining chips in conflicts, and positions itself as a bridge-builder between the conflicting parties, willing to play a meaningful role in efforts, including those aimed at facilitating the return of Ukrainian children. However, regarding the specific draft resolution submitted to the Assembly, South Africa exhibits a cautious attitude, considering some of its assertions to be contentious and insufficiently clear within the context of the Ukraine conflict, and maintains that any allegations should be verified through the good offices of the UN Secretary-General.

Finally, the statement reveals South Africa's specific diplomatic actions. South Africa emphasizes its firm support for a peaceful resolution achieved through negotiations involving all parties and discloses its collaboration with Canada, Qatar, and the Holy See to advance an initiative aimed at upholding international law and ensuring child protection and their safe return. South Africa's vote on that day was intended to demonstrate respect for international law and to affirm that children must never be the target of actions that violate international human rights law and international humanitarian law. This document provides first-hand authoritative material for analyzing the positioning choices, discursive strategies, and multilateral diplomatic engagement of non-directly involved parties, particularly countries with Global South leadership characteristics, on highly polarized international issues.