President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for accountability over what he described as atrocities against Palestinians, crimes against the people of Sudan and an “illegal war” against Iran during the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

Speaking on Saturday during a session on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism, Ramaphosa said the international community must uphold the UN Charter and ensure that international law is applied consistently.

He said the UN Charter prohibits the use of force except in self-defence under Article 51 or when authorised by the UN Security Council, while requiring states to settle disputes peacefully.

“To give strength to the law, there must be accountability for atrocities: for the ongoing genocide against the Palestinians, for the crimes committed against the people of Sudan and for the illegal war against Iran,” Ramaphosa said.

“We must exert pressure and expose violations whenever, and by whomever, they are committed.”

Ramaphosa said international law could not be applied selectively, arguing that the same principles must apply to all states and the same protections to all peoples.

South Africa, he said, had turned to international judicial bodies, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, in its efforts to seek justice for Palestinians.

South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel at the ICJ in December 2023, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention in relation to its military operations in Gaza. Israel rejects the allegations.

Ramaphosa also called for reform of the UN Security Council, saying Africa’s 54 UN member states and nearly one-fifth of the world’s population remain without permanent representation on the council.

“This is neither just nor sustainable,” he said, reiterating South Africa’s call for a more representative, accountable, transparent and effective Security Council.

The BRICS summit is being held from 12 to 13 September under India’s chairship. The grouping adopted the New Delhi Declaration, which expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and called for maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The declaration also called for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza, reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution, and expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan.

While Ramaphosa described the conflict involving Iran as an “illegal war”, the BRICS declaration itself did not assign responsibility to a specific country for the wider Middle East conflict.

Ramaphosa said BRICS should help defend and strengthen a multilateral order centred on the UN Charter, international law and the interests of the Global South.

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