Amnesty International says it is urgent for New Zealand to use their Security Council presidency to do more to protect civilians trapped in conflict

As New Zealand begins its one month presidency of the United Nations Security Council tomorrow, Amnesty International has called for New Zealand to step up its efforts to protect civilians, especially women, in conflict.

“There has never been a more important time to put people first. Millions of civilians are caught up in today's numerous brutal conflicts, from Syria to Iraq and South Sudan to Central African Republic. They desperately need protection and assistance in a world that is caught struggling with its biggest humanitarian crisis of a generation”, says Grant Bayldon, executive director, Amnesty International New Zealand.

It has been six months since New Zealand took its two year seat on the Council. “In the difficult operating environment of the United Nations, New Zealand has taken some positive steps. But there is definitely more New Zealand could do to ensure it leaves a lasting legacy that protects civilians caught up in the world’s current raging conflicts”, adds Bayldon.

“It is disappointing to learn that New Zealand, as Council president, has refused to organise the bi-annual Council debate on civilian protection in conflict. This debate was scheduled to take place in July; it would have been a key opportunity to discuss practical steps forward, based on the latest civilian protection report just released by the UN Secretary General”, says Bayldon.

Looking ahead, there is a window of opportunity for New Zealand to make the Security Council more effective in saving lives. These opportunities include negotiations to curb the permanent members’ veto power, a comprehensive review of UN Peace Operations, and the 15th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Amnesty International welcomes New Zealand’s formal affirmation of the role women play in ending and preventing conflict. It remains unclear, however, whether New Zealand is truly committed to promoting the practical steps needed to give women a voice in United Nations peace operations, and to bring about better protection from sexual violence in conflict. Amnesty International is calling on the New Zealand government to put a greater focus on this.

“New Zealand has also done well to donate $15.5 million in aid to assist refugees from Syria and Iraq. But at the same time it is lagging behind in doing its fair share to resettle some of the most vulnerable people in the world”, Bayldon adds.

“If New Zealand really wants to make a difference on the Council, it needs to be seen as a leader rather than a laggard, doubling our currently tiny refugee quota is a good place to start.”

“During its last term on the Security Council, New Zealand stood out for its strong positions on the conflicts in Rwanda, Bosnia and Haiti. It is these positions that have reinforced our standing as an independent and principled voice that advocates for the protection of human rights. It is important that we continue this legacy”, says Grant Bayldon.

Amnesty International is calling on the New Zealand Government to :
• Prioritise the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and mobilise the UN Security Council to more effectively address direct and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian property;
• Demonstrate a serious commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in all its relevant Security Council work;
• As part of its efforts to address the humanitarian catastrophes around the world, double its own refugee quota and encourage other lagging countries to also do more.
“There has never been a more important time to address civilian suffering in conflict. Expressing concern in statements while innocent civilians continue to be killed, injured and displaced is not a sufficient response. This is a critical moment for New Zealand to show leadership and hold to account the body most responsible for addressing the biggest humanitarian challenge of our time”, says Bayldon.

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