Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
17 July 2024 | 11:06 a.m. SAST
2-minute read

Image: AFP

The South African Implementation and Protection of Palestinian Solidarity Rights Act (IPPSRA) Bill is currently under consideration by the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO).

The bill, which comprises of a comprehensive legal framework to hold Israel accountable for war crimes, human rights violations and crimes against humanity, is founded on the need to address ‘Israel’s’ continued aggression against Palestine that began in 1948.

Attorney Ziyaad Patel, from whose office the bill was submitted to DIRCO, explains the significance of the IPPSRA Bill, particularly in light of ‘Israel’s’ relentless onslaught on Gaza and occupied Palestine since October 7^th and the failure of existing structures to keep them in check.

The IPPSRA is designed to work in tandem with exiting domestic and international legislation to strengthen international jurisdiction. The act has robust enforcement mechanisms, including significant fines and imprisonment for those found in violation, such as arms manufacturers continuing to trade with Israel.

The bill provides a framework to address gross human rights violations including those against Palestinian prisoners, enable South Africa to cease diplomatic ties with Israel, to hold South Africans fighting for the IOF accountable, address unlawful settlements and reselling of Palestinian land, and hold financial institutions who fund the IOF accountable, among other measures.

Patel discussed the creation of the Boycotts, Divestments, Sanctions and Economic Lawsuits council. This body will manage the economic impacts of cutting ties with ‘Israel’, including finding alternative business partners for South African companies.

The legislation aims to regulate the transfer of funds between South Africa and Israel to disrupt economic activities that support the ‘Israeli’ occupation.

Patel also discussed the importance of lawful advocacy, including holding Israeli military personnel accountable for war crimes.

“Over the years, we’ve worked on several cases against Israelis violating the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act,” Patel noted, highlighting ongoing efforts to monitor and prosecute such individuals.

Attorney Sozarn Barday, another advocate for the bill, highlighted IPPSRA’s provisions on property rights.

“Displacement of Palestinian individuals and the establishment of illegal Israeli settlements are central issues,” Barday stated. She explained that the bill allows for investigations and prosecutions under universal jurisdiction, enabling South Africa to use both international and domestic laws to combat illegal settlements.

Barday emphasised the formation of a council comprising government officials, civil society members, and legal professionals to advise on implementing the act’s provisions. This council will focus on limiting finances that facilitate Israeli settlements. Additionally, the act proposes the establishment of task teams within the safety and security sectors to enforce border controls and monitor individuals linked to these settlements.

The bill empowers the South African Police Services and the National Prosecuting Authority to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in supporting illegal settlements.

Both Patel and Barday emphasise the importance of South Africa’s endorsement of IPPSRA, particularly due to the parallels between its own struggle against Apartheid and the Palestinian struggle.

The act serves as a comprehensive template that can be used by other countries around the world to address human rights violations and other forms of oppression.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany here.