South Africa rejects U.S. human rights report as ‘seriously flawed’

South Africa has strongly criticized a recent human rights report from the U.S. State Department, describing it as “inaccurate and deeply flawed.” Released during President Donald Trump’s second term, the report claims human rights conditions in South Africa worsened in 2024, particularly focusing on alleged discrimination against white Afrikaners linked to land reforms.

In response, South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation expressed “profound disappointment,” asserting that the report relies on out-of-context information and discredited accounts. The ministry emphasized that the United Nations praised South Africa’s Land Expropriation Act as a progressive initiative. It also pointed out the irony in the U.S. issuing such a report after its withdrawal from the U.N. Human Rights Council, referencing significant human rights issues in the U.S., including the treatment of refugees and due process violations by agencies like ICE.

The report’s allegations that South Africa has failed to investigate and prosecute human rights abuses were similarly dismissed. The South African government highlighted its transparent legal system, asserting that information is readily available from law enforcement and institutions dedicated to advancing human rights.

This criticism contributes to ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations following Trump’s re-election. In May, Trump confronted President Cyril Ramaphosa during a state visit. The U.S. has expedited visa applications for Afrikaners seeking refuge and imposed 30% tariffs on South African exports, in addition to suspending financial aid. Diplomatic relations have further soured over South Africa’s position on Israel-Hamas conflicts.

The Afrikaans trade union Solidarity, criticized by Ramaphosa, plans to visit the U.S. to meet with the State Department, indicating ongoing engagement despite strained relations.