New delhi: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has made a powerful call for accountability regarding alleged atrocities in Palestine and Sudan, as well as what he termed an 'illegal war' against Iran. Addressing the BRICS leaders' summit in New Delhi, India, Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of consistent application of international law to ensure justice and peace.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ramaphosa firmly stated that international law must be upheld without bias, urging global leaders to pressure and expose violations regardless of where or by whom they occur. He highlighted that the pursuit of justice for Palestinians has led South Africa and other nations to seek intervention from international bodies like the International Court of Justice.
Ramaphosa expressed concern over the diminishing relevance of the United Nations and the multilateral system due to ongoing violations of the UN Charter and the tendency to resort to war for dispute resolution. He remarked that the increasing disregard for multilateral institutions underscores the significance of BRICS in the current geopolitical climate.
Highlighting BRICS as a representation of a world with multiple power centers, Ramaphosa envisioned a framework where no nation is forced to align solely with the East, West, North, or South. He advocated for a global order committed to development, dignity, and equity. Furthermore, he reiterated the call for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, noting the lack of permanent representation for Africa, despite its substantial presence in the UN.
Ramaphosa argued that the current structure of the Security Council is neither just nor sustainable and advocated for a body that is more representative, accountable, transparent, and effective. He urged BRICS to remain a unified voice for reform, capable of delivering practical outcomes and bridging geopolitical divides through multilateral cooperation.
The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi is expected to culminate in the New Delhi Declaration, which aims to transform policy commitments into tangible actions, reflecting the collective framework of the BRICS nations.