The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) met with Mr. David Jara, Human Rights Officer at the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations in Geneva, to discuss shared priorities in addressing the genocide in Gaza and strengthening international accountability.

The meeting reflected Colombia’s unwavering commitment to justice. Mr. Jara emphasized that Colombian President Gustavo Petro was among the first world leaders to call for an international conference on Gaza, even prior to October 7. That call has materialized in the form of the upcoming ministerial-level conference of The Hague Group, co-chaired by Colombia and South Africa, which will take place in Bogotá on 15–16 July 2025. 

The conference will bring together over 80 countries and will focus on legal strategies to stop the genocide in Gaza and to hold Israel accountable. Notably, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, is among the invited participants.

Mr. Jara highlighted Colombia’s decisive actions to back its words, including:

He described Israel’s current policy as a project of erasing a people and eliminating an identity, underscoring the genocidal intent and long-term consequences of the assault on Gaza.

Mr. Jara also addressed the broader geopolitical landscape, describing the European Union’s paralysis on Palestine as “imprisoned by its historical guilt,” noting that the EU requires unanimity among its 27 member states to adopt a unified stance.

PRC welcomed Colombia’s principled stance and its bold diplomatic leadership. The Centre reiterated the importance of continued global coordination, including through forums like the upcoming Bogotá conference and ongoing legal pathways at the ICJ. PRC affirmed its full support for Colombia’s efforts and expressed interest in continued cooperation.