Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Chair.
New Zealand is proud to be a member of the Inter-Regional Taskforce on the moratorium of the use of the death penalty. We have a clear and long-standing position on this resolution, which is based on our opposition to the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances.
We would like to thank Italy and Argentina for their co-facilitation of this important resolution. The co-facilitators clearly listened to the various views expressed regarding this resolution. The proposal of new compromise language during the negotiation process, regarding the issue of sovereign jurisdiction, demonstrated this willingness to listen and compromise.
My delegation wishes to commend the co-facilitators for attempting to genuinely work towards language that could accommodate the breadth of views among Member States, while retaining an underlying focus on the important purpose of this resolution – which is a key ongoing priority for New Zealand.
We regret that the efforts to bridge gaps between Member States were not deemed sufficient by some delegations and we express our disappointment that the amendment to OP1 has again been tabled. We consider that this amendment undermines the core spirit of this resolution. We will vote against this amendment and in favour of the resolution as a whole.
It is our hope in the 81st session that we will be able to build on the progress from the negotiations this year.
New Zealand looks forward to working together to achieve ongoing progress on an issue that is important to all of us.
Thank you.