Global South States Take Unified Stand on Gaza at Bogota Conference

Countries from the Global South came together in Bogota, Colombia, on July 15 and 16 for an Emergency Ministerial Conference on Palestine organised by The Hague Group. Representatives from 30 nations—including Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey, and Venezuela—expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian people amid escalating violence in Gaza.

Colombia’s deputy secretary of state, Mauricio Jaramillo, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that fatalities in Gaza had exceeded 58,000. He emphasised the need for collective commitment and decisive action. The conference was jointly organised by Colombia and South Africa, reflecting a shared determination to end the ongoing crisis and demand accountability.

The participating countries reached an agreement emphasising the enforcement of international law without exception. They called for an immediate ceasefire and outlined several measures to prevent further escalation. These measures included stopping the provision and transfer of arms and military equipment to Israel, denying port services to vessels suspected of carrying such materials, and reviewing public contracts to ensure no institutional support facilitates Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

Furthermore, the agreement stressed the importance of thorough and impartial investigations into alleged crimes under international law, advocating for justice for victims through both national and international legal mechanisms. The support for universal jurisdiction was also reaffirmed to hold perpetrators accountable.

Of the 30 countries present, 12 committed to immediately implement the agreed measures. These included Bolivia, Cuba, Colombia, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa. The remaining countries pledged to join by September 20, 2025, coinciding with the 80th UN General Assembly, with ongoing consultations planned to broaden participation.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the conference as a historic moment, emphasising that the era of impunity must end and that international law can no longer be ignored. South African Secretary of State Ronald Lamola reiterated that no state should be above the law and praised the coordinated action taken by the group.

This multilateral agreement is unprecedented in its direct challenge to Israel’s military aggression on Gaza and marks a significant shift in international diplomacy on the issue. Its potential impact on future global responses and the pursuit of justice in Palestine remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly signals a new level of international engagement and solidarity with the Palestinian people.