As published by Ntombi Nkosi in the African Times
The GOOD Party has welcomed the signing of the Bogotá Agreement — a landmark pact jointly driven by South Africa and Colombia — as a significant moment for international justice and a bold move to end impunity for war crimes committed during the Gaza conflict.
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The agreement, adopted at the Emergency Ministerial Conference of the Hague Group held this week in Bogotá, Colombia, was signed by 12 countries committed to six specific measures aimed at holding perpetrators accountable for human rights violations and breaches of international law in Gaza.
The conference was convened as pressure mounts on the international community to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. Human rights groups have accused both Israeli and Hamas forces of committing atrocities since the start of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced.
The Bogotá Agreement includes immediate arms embargoes, economic disengagement from Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, and the activation of universal jurisdiction laws that allow countries to prosecute war crimes regardless of where they occur.
GOOD Party Secretary-General Brett Herron described the agreement as a “decisive break from decades of impunity” and a “turning point for global justice.” He praised South Africa’s leadership and consistent support for Palestine on international platforms.
“This agreement is more than a diplomatic milestone — it’s a principled commitment that no country, no matter how powerful, is above the law,” Herron said in a statement. “It sends a clear message that justice will no longer be reserved for the weak while the strong enjoy impunity.”
South Africa’s Consistent Support for Palestine
South Africa’s support for the Palestinian cause has deep historical and political roots, dating back to its own struggle against apartheid. The government has consistently used international legal and diplomatic channels to advocate for Palestinian rights.
In December 2023, South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating the Genocide Convention through its military actions in Gaza. In a preliminary ruling issued in January 2024, the ICJ ordered Israel to take steps to prevent genocidal acts — a move hailed globally as a rare rebuke of Israeli policy by a major international court.
Further diplomatic action followed. South Africa recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv, downgraded its diplomatic mission, and passed a parliamentary resolution in November 2023 calling for the closure of the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria.
South Africa has also supported the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders accused of war crimes. The government has maintained that international law must be applied equally, regardless of political alliances.
“From The Hague to Bogotá, South Africa has remained on the side of justice,” said Herron. “It is not just about Palestine. It is about building a rules-based international system where accountability is the norm.”
Six Measures for Enforcement
Under the Bogotá Agreement, signatory countries have committed to implementing the following six measures by September 2025:
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- Immediate arms embargoes on parties violating international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict.
- Activation of universal jurisdiction, enabling national courts to prosecute war crimes committed in other countries.
- Economic disengagement from illegal Israeli settlements and companies complicit in human rights violations.
- Full cooperation with the ICC, including enforcement of arrest warrants.
- Sharing of documentation and evidence related to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Domestic implementation of legal mechanisms to support these measures.
In addition to South Africa and Colombia, other signatories include Ireland, Belgium, Chile, Brazil, and several countries from the Global South. However, major powers such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany did not endorse the agreement.
Widening Global Divide
Herron criticised the refusal of certain Western nations to join the agreement, saying it exposed a “dangerous double standard” in global diplomacy.
“The era of selective justice must end,” he said. “It is indefensible to support accountability in Ukraine but not in Palestine. South Africa and the other signatories have drawn a clear line: the law must apply equally to all.”
The agreement is seen by many observers as a new chapter in global efforts to enforce human rights and humanitarian law — one that could potentially reshape international legal norms.
South African political analysts say the move evokes memories of the anti-apartheid era, when global solidarity was instrumental in pressuring the apartheid regime to dismantle its policies. They argue that the country’s actions today are consistent with the values enshrined in its Constitution.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela were both vocal advocates for Palestinian freedom. Mandela famously said: “Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”
Looking Ahead
The GOOD Party has called on all South Africans — including political parties, civil society, and ordinary citizens — to support the Bogotá process and the country’s broader international justice agenda.
“This agreement represents a moral obligation,” said Herron. “It is our duty to stand with the oppressed, just as others stood with us during our darkest times.”
With the September 2025 deadline approaching, attention will now turn to whether governments, including South Africa, follow through on the commitments made in Bogotá. If implemented effectively, the measures could serve as a model for how nations confront mass atrocities without relying solely on global powers or international institutions.
For now, the Bogotá Agreement is being seen as a bold affirmation of South Africa’s ongoing role as a champion of justice, not only at home but on the world stage.
This article has been published in partnership with the African Times.
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