Parliament passes unanimous motion in solidarity with Syria

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

PRESS RELEASE

15 March 2015

NZ Parliament passes unanimous motion in solidarity with Syria

Amnesty International strongly welcomes the news that the New Zealand Parliament today stood unanimously with the people of Syria in passing a motion in the House.

On the fifth anniversary of the Syrian crisis Green Party MP and human rights spokesperson, Marama Davidson, put forward the motion that the House express its solidarity with the people of Syria who have been suffering for five years.

“Amnesty International is truly heartened to see the New Zealand Parliament come together and stand up for the people of Syria,” said Grant Bayldon, Executive Director at Amnesty International.

“From the moment that Syrian government forces first opened fire on peaceful protesters, brutality and civilian suffering have been the tragic hallmarks of this crisis.

“Five years on we can’t forget the ordinary women, men and children who have suffered and continue to suffer.”

Amnesty International strongly supports the motion that calls on the Syrian government and all other conflict parties to immediately end the bombing of civilian areas, including hospitals and other health facilities, as well as to ensure citizens have access to food, water, medicines and other necessities.

The Organisation also applauds the work of the New Zealand government on the UN Security Council and urges them to continue to prioritise the protection of civilians from war crimes and other serious abuses in Syria, especially in light of this unanimous show of support by the New Zealand parliament.

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