A group of prominent Latin American former foreign ministers and human rights advocates has urged António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, to suspend Russia from the UN General Assembly over its actions in Ukraine, as world leaders gather in New York to address global challenges.

The signatories, including former foreign ministers from Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and other Latin American nations, penned a letter to Guterres condemning Russia's conduct as a "monstrous violation of the UN Charter".

Antonia Urrejola of Chile, Celso Lafer of Brazil, Jorge Castañeda of Mexico, Diego García-Sayán of Peru, and Noemí Sanín of Colombia are among the notable former diplomats backing the initiative. They argue that Russia's position as a permanent member of the Security Council is not compatible with the severity of its actions.

Drawing parallels with South Africa's 1974 suspension, the group suggested Russia should face similar sanctions until it aligns its behaviour with its international responsibilities.

The letter highlighted Russia's alleged targeting of civilians in Ukraine, warning that such actions threaten to undermine international humanitarian law, with consequences extending beyond Ukraine's borders.

However, the signatories maintained a balanced perspective, acknowledging other global conflicts. They pointed to the situation in Gaza and ongoing violence in Sudan, emphasising the need for consistent condemnation of war crimes regardless of geopolitical considerations.

"Double standards are double standards, regardless of ideology," the letter stated, underscoring the importance of uniform application of international law.

The initiative also includes Oleksandra Matviichuk, president of the Center for Civil Liberties and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, representing Ukrainian voices in this joint Latin American and Ukrainian effort.

“Russia is trying very hard to spread the narrative that the countries of the so-called Global South supposedly sympathise with or are at least willing to turn a blind eye to war crimes in the Russian Federation. In reality, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and other Latin American countries have a remarkable history of holding those responsible for such crimes accountable,” Matviichuk stated in an X post.

This unprecedented move by leaders from Latin America reflects growing international concern over Russia's war on Ukraine and signals a potential shift in diplomatic approach towards UN member conduct. It also deals a blow to President Vladimir Putin’s framing of Moscow as sympathetic to global anti-imperialist causes.