In a moment of great irony and symbolism he was saluted by the heads of the Armed Forces of South Africa. The ICJ honours President Nelson Mandela. It is another of those ironies that its conference in Cape Town convened as the nation was celebrating the eightieth birthday and marriage of its President, admired throughout the world. There is a human right to love. Love is present in so many of the statements of Nelson Mandela.
Some people are embarrassed even to refer to love.
But I have always thought that at the heart of respect for the life and dignity of other human beings is the core value of human love. Those who have sufficient love for their fellow creatures can only respect the lives and dignity of those who share with them this fragile planet. The conference in Cape Town was inspired by the opening remarks of its distinguished participants. Advocate Nono Goso, speaking on behalf of the South African organising committee reminded us that the rule of law and even the independence of the judiciary are, on their own, not enough. It is essential that the law which rules should be constantly reformed, updated and made to conform to human rights and to justice.