In an emergency conference, jointly convened by the Governments of Colombia and South Africa, taking place in Bogota, 12 states have committed to taking action against Israeli violations of international law.
Colombia and South Africa are co-chairs of the Hague Group, a bloc of eight states committed to “coordinated legal and diplomatic measures” in defence of international law and solidarity with the people of Palestine. The Bogota conference brought together representatives of 30 states, including Ireland, who unanimously agreed that international law must be enforced without fear or favour and issued a unified call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Twelve states in particular went further and committed to taking diplomatic, legal and economic measures against Israel. Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa set out the measures in a joint statement issued at the end of the conference. The measures include actions to prevent the provision or transfer or arms to Israel and to prevent vessels carrying arms being serviced at their ports or flying their flags. A deadline of 20September2025 has been set for other states to join the declaration.
Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory commented: “these twelve states have taken a momentous step forward” and encouraged other states to join them.
Colombian president Gustavo Petro commented “We came to Bogota to make history – and we did. These measures show that we will no longer allow international law to be treated as optional, or Palestinian life as disposable”
South Africa’s minister of international relations and cooperation, Ronald Lamola commented “What we have achieved here in a collective affirmation that no state is above the law. – The measures adopted in Bogota show that we are serious – and that coordinated state action is possible”.