South Africa – IOL, November 13, 2024
Cape Town – As the human rights record of Equatorial Guinea is being examined by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) in South Africa said they would continue to call for the release of two engineers imprisoned in that country.The working group’s process began on Monday and recommendations will be made to Equatorial Guinea on November 15.
The UPR is a UN mechanism that evaluates the human rights records of all member states every four-and-ahalf years. During this review, member states assess each country’s human rights practices, identifying areas for improvement and providing recommendations.
The UPR promotes accountability by encouraging states to address systemic issues and improve human rights protections.
Last week, the families of Peter Huxham, a dual UK and South African citizen, and Frik Potgieter, a South African, carried out a protest at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, where the Africa Energy Week was being held, as they called for the release of their loved ones.
The men were arrested on drug trafficking charges in Equatorial Guinea just two days after South African courts seized the luxury super yacht belonging to Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodore Nguema Obiang Mangue, the president’s son.
They have been held for nearly 21 months.
Chrispin Phiri, Dirco spokesperson in Minister Ronald Lamola’s office, said they were in constant talks in an effort to secure the release of the two men. He added that the intervention of the UN was vital.
“The South African government continues to be seized with the matter and has undertaken several diplomatic initiatives to secure the unconditional release of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter,” he said.
