Brazil criticizes countries’ omission regarding Gaza Strip
Speaking on Thursday (Oct. 24) at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira criticized the omission of countries regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, he praised the position of countries from the Global South that are trying to mediate in the conflict in the Middle East.
“It was the countries of the Global South that voted in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution calling for a cessation of hostilities. Meanwhile, the role played by other countries has been disappointing, to say the least. Those who claim to be human rights defenders are turning a blind eye to the greatest atrocity in recent history,” said the minister.
The minister said that the situation in Gaza—considered by Brazil and other countries to be a genocide against the Palestinian people—has undermined the authority of the UN Security Council and the integrity of international humanitarian law.
There will be no peace without an independent Palestinian state, a solution that has been rejected by the Israeli government, he pointed out. “The decision on its existence was made 75 years ago by the United Nations. But the same UN that created the state of Israel today finds itself with its hands tied,” he added.
“There is no justification for terrorist acts such as those carried out by Hamas”, Minister Vieira argued, adding, however, that Israel’s disproportionate response “has become collective punishment for the Palestinian people.”
“More explosives have been dropped on Gaza than hit Dresden, Hamburg, and London in the Second World War,” he said.
The Brazilian foreign minister also highlighted the importance of BRICS. “Behind these five letters, there is a tangible reality built up over decades of efforts for a more equitable world. BRICS owes a lot to the G77 and the Non-Aligned Movement. We are the heirs of those who fought for a New International Economic Order,” he stated.
Cuba
The Brazilian Chancellor also harshly criticized the US economic embargo against Cuba, which has lasted more than six decades. Brazil is opposed to unilateral sanctions on principle as they violate international law and cause harm to the populations of the affected countries, Minister Vieira noted.
“The case of Cuba is emblematic of the irrationality of these measures, which for more than six decades have affected the country’s economic development and, in recent times, have contributed to worsening the energy, food, and health situation in the Caribbean country. We renew our solidarity with the Cuban people and call for an immediate relaxation of these measures,” he declared.
Ukraine
The head of the Brazilian delegation at the 16th BRICS Summit also commented on the war in Ukraine, highlighting the initiative by Brazil and China to create the Friends of Peace group to try to resolve the conflict which also involves Russia, which is chairing BRICS in 2024.
“We have formed a peace club to foster dialog and seek a lasting solution. This lasting solution will only come with respect for international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and the central role of the United Nations in the international system,” he said.
