The statement from the Republic of South Africa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation clarifies that diplomatic immunity granted to participants at the BRICS foreign ministers meeting and the forthcoming partnership summit does not endow any guest with immunity from the International Court of Justice’s jurisdiction. The department emphasizes that immunity is a privilege recognized by domestic policy, not a blanket shield against international legal processes. This nuance remains clear even as SA extends formal protections to those present at the gatherings, underscoring that ICJ authority remains intact over questions involving attendees.
Plans for the BRICS Ministerial Meeting in Cape Town were set for early in the year, with the 15th BRICS Summit scheduled to take place in Johannesburg later in the year. The ministry’s communications reiterate that while attendees receive immunity under SA law, this does not equate to immunity from international adjudication or from any legal responsibility assessed by the ICJ in relation to acts performed during the events.
Previously, the South African authorities had indicated that immunity would be provided to individuals participating in both the June BRICS meeting and the August summit in Johannesburg. This assurance has been presented as part of the broader framework of diplomatic norms and security measures accompanying large multilateral forums hosted on South African soil. Experts and observers note that sovereign immunity and international legal obligations operate on different planes, with national protections not extinguishing international jurisdiction in appropriate cases.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia had not ruled out participation in the BRICS summit, and preparations for the event were actively progressing. A spokesperson for the Russian leadership stated that the exact form of Putin’s participation remained to be determined, reflecting the ongoing diplomacy surrounding high-level attendance and attendance modalities for the summit. The discussions illustrate the balance countries seek between presenting national interests and honoring international legal frameworks that govern state actors and their representatives.
Throughout these developments, officials have stressed the separation between immunities granted by host nations for ceremonial and security purposes and the ongoing authority of the International Court of Justice to address disputes or questions arising from the conduct of individuals connected to the meetings. As with past multilateral gatherings, the SA government continues to uphold both domestic protective measures and commitments to international legal norms, ensuring that participation in BRICS events does not diminish accountability or override jurisdiction where it legally applies. This dual approach aims to facilitate diplomacy and dialogue while preserving the rule of law on both national and international stages.