South Africa has been elected to return to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term, rejoining the 47‑member body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. The vote comes at a time of heightened global scrutiny over human rights compliance, and as South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of its democratic Constitution.


Questions are now being raised about the role the country intends to play on the Council, and how its constitutional values will shape its foreign policy going forward.

 

Joining Asanda Beda is the Chairperson of South Africa’s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo.

South Africa has been elected to return to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026&ndash;2028 term, rejoining the 47‑member body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. The vote comes at a time of heightened global scrutiny over human rights compliance, and as South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of its democratic Constitution.
 Questions are now being raised about the role the country intends to play on the Council, and how its constitutional values will shape its foreign policy going forward.
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Joining Asanda Beda is the Chairperson of South Africa&rsquo;s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo.