4 August 2015

NEW ZEALAND: Amnesty International releases report card on UN Security Council performance

New Zealand’s efforts to protect civilians in conflict and uphold women’s rights via the UN Security Council have been assessed in a report card released today by Amnesty International.

As New Zealand steps down from its month as President of the Council, Amnesty International has taken the opportunity to review New Zealand’s role on the Council so far and assess their performance and contribution to protecting human rights worldwide.

“What we’ve found in our assessment is that while New Zealand has certainly made some positive steps, overall they have missed a number of key opportunities to champion human rights and really make effective change,” said Grant Bayldon, Executive Director at Amnesty International in New Zealand.

“What is clear is that there is a strong need for improvement if New Zealand wants to leave a lasting legacy that will really contribute to meaningful change when it comes to human rights and saving lives.”

The Report Card assesses New Zealand’s performance in five categories including; protecting civilians in conflict, UN Peace Operations, making the UN Security Council more effective, championing women’s rights and working to address Syria’s humanitarian crisis.

Amnesty International’s assessment reveals that while New Zealand fares well when it comes to improving the Council’s effectiveness via the aim of limiting the veto power, it failed to champion women’s rights by neglecting the issue of gender inequality during the flagship debate on security challenges to Small Island Developing States, which it held during its Presidency.

While New Zealand has made a number of positive statements condemning human rights abuses in conflict, it missed opportunities to publicly insist on accountability for war crimes committed in Syria, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Israel / Palestine and refused to organise the bi-annual Council debate on civilian protection in conflict.

“We welcome New Zealand’s endeavour to reignite the stalled peace talks between Israel and Palestine. However the failure to address past crimes will delay reconciliation, negatively impact on direct negotiations and jeopardise any future peace. This is where New Zealand’s role on the Council is crucial and must be used effectively,” said Grant Bayldon.

The other key area the report card focuses on is the work New Zealand has done to address Syria’s humanitarian crisis. While improving humanitarian access to Syria has been one of New Zealand’s key priorities on the Council, little has yet been done to address the Syrian refugee crisis which is destabilising the entire region.

“If New Zealand really wants to make a difference on the Council, the refugee crisis is a good place to start. But New Zealand can’t effectively address the biggest humanitarian challenge of our time while refusing to increase its own refugee quota,” said Grant Bayldon.

“This quota - just 750 per annum - was last increased almost 30 years ago. Far from punching above its weight and leading on this issue, New Zealand is in fact a laggard at 90th in the world for total refugee intake, on a per capita basis. New Zealand needs to do its fair share for refugees.”

The report card is an initial assessment and Amnesty International highlights that while there is a strong need for improvement there are still windows of opportunity for New Zealand to push the Council to be more effective in saving lives and empowering women.

“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”, said 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.

“The next 17 months are crucial for New Zealand to live up to its promise of being an independent and principled voice, to show leadership and to hold to account the body most responsible for addressing the biggest humanitarian challenge of our time,” said Grant Bayldon.

“It’s not over yet. But words aren’t enough, we must see action - this is a rare opportunity and Amnesty International is strongly urging New Zealand not to waste it.”

ENDS/

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