Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, addressed the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has made it plain that the international community must prevent Israel from committing genocide in Gaza.
Ramaphosa stated that the world’s nations “have a responsibility” to take action against financing Israel’s murderous attack in Gaza during his remarks at the 16th BRICS Heads of State conference.
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Ramaphosa noted, “As the UN General Assembly has now resolved, the countries of the world have a responsibility to promote the realization of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.”
Ramaphosa added that his nation is extremely worried about the conflict’s continued escalation, which has already resulted in a great deal of death and devastation.
“As the world bears witness to the continued plight of the Palestinian people, South Africa is compelled to emulate the spirit of solidarity,” he stated.
The South African leader claimed that because of its past of apartheid, his nation recognizes the need for international backing for a people’s right to self-determination and statehood.
In late 2023, South Africa filed a case with the Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) tribunal, alleging that Israel, which has been bombing Gaza since last October, had violated its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Public hearings on the issue started in January, and several nations have participated, including Turkey, Nicaragua, Palestine, Spain, Mexico, Libya, and Colombia.
The ICJ ruled in May that Israel must stop its attack on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.
For the third time, the 15-judge panel issued preliminary directives aimed at reducing the number of fatalities and easing humanitarian suffering in the blockaded enclave, where more than 44,000 people have been killed.
According to Ramaphosa, the realization of Palestinians’ dreams of statehood, justice, and independence is a prerequisite for achieving enduring peace and security.
“Peace and security across the world require the collective will of the community of nations. It requires a UN Security Council that is representative and inclusive,” he stated.
Ramaphosa said that the UN Security Council has failed to uphold global peace and security and that there are several conflicts going on in the world.
“It does not represent the interests of the global community, and therefore does not have the means to give effect to the global desire for peace.”
According to him, BRICS must utilize its voice to promote change, just as it plays a crucial role in creating a new multipolar global order.
In reference to the BRICS meeting that was conducted in South Africa last year, Ramaphosa stated, “When we met in Johannesburg last year, we found consensus on the reform of the UN Security Council.”
Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates are members of the BRICS group of developing nations.
