Which Latin American countries support South Africa's genocide case against Israel?

Many governments around the world have expressed support for South Africa's case against Israel for genocide in Gaza.

Here are the six Latin American countries that have currently issued statements welcoming the legal action so far.

Brazil

On Wednesday, January 11, Brazil's Foreign Ministry announced its support for South Africa's case through a statement following a meeting between Brazil's President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the Palestinian ambassador to the country, Ibrahim Alzeben,

“In light of the flagrant violations of international humanitarian law, the president expressed his support for South Africa's initiative to petition the International Court of Justice to order Israel to immediately cease all acts and measures that may constitute genocide or related crimes under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,” the document says. 

Colombia

On the same day, Colombia issued an official statement expressing that "South Africa's demand is a brave step in the right direction". It added that it is clear that "the actions and measures taken by the government of Israel constitute acts of genocide" since the beginning of this phase of the conflict.

Nicaragua

The Government of Nicaragua welcomed the legal action against Israel, considering it "the first step towards accountability before the international community". The Central American country also urged Israel to "immediately cease its military assault against the Palestinian people" and called "for an end to the occupation".

Bolivia

Since the beginning of the war, Bolivia has expressed its support for Palestine and condemned Israel. On Sunday, Bolivia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described South Africa's action as "historic". It emphasised that this step "in defence of the Palestinian people" should be accompanied "by the international community that calls for respect for life".

Cuba

On Thursday, Cuba stated that it has "the obligation to prevent and punish genocide" and highlighted that "Israel continues to act with impunity because it enjoys the complicit protection of the United States". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that, by obstructing and vetoing Security Council action, the United States is "undermining peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and worldwide".

Venezuela

Venezuela recognised "the firm and historic step of South Africa in defence of the Palestinian people and International Law," emphasising that "this action must be accompanied by the entire international community". The country also referenced recent United Nations reports indicating that more than 21 thousand people were killed since October 7, 2023, mostly children and women.