Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr. President,
Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes the convening of the General Assembly for this Veto Initiative session.
New Zealand has opposed the veto from its inception. We remain strong in our conviction that there is no place for this undemocratic and anachronistic device at the United Nations. Russia’s latest actions have only confirmed us in these views.
Just as we were last year, we are here today because a callous use of the veto has once again prevented the Council from fulfilling its responsibility. In vetoing this resolution, Russia has acted to undermine the Council’s credibility.
Let us be clear about the context in which action was taken.
The resolution proposed by Switzerland and Brazil enjoyed the support of 13 members of the Council. An overwhelming majority, representing countries from across the UN membership.
Moreover, this resolution concerned a vital mechanism that is exclusively humanitarian in nature. It contained elements necessary to save lives and ease human suffering in Syria. It was fully consistent with international humanitarian law, and with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. It provided operational certainty for humanitarian organisations on the ground.
It was, in short, an important and high quality humanitarian resolution.
New Zealand commends the work of Switzerland and Brazil, as well as the tireless work of the UN, led by OCHA. We applaud the humanitarian partners delivering assistance where it is most needed, often in extremely dangerous conditions.
The Russian Federation’s decision to block this resolution has caused unnecessary suffering and uncertainty in providing crucial humanitarian assistance.
We have listened to Russia’s explanations today. I’m afraid to say these are simply not credible. We hope that they in turn are listening to us, and to all those who have expressed their dismay at its actions during today’s meeting.
We take note of the announcement of a six month extension of humanitarian access through Bab Al Hawa. But this only has meaning if it genuinely enables continued access. In this regard, we share the deep concerns of others that the unnecessary conditions placed on the modalities of this will hinder humanitarian access, placing the lives and well-being of millions of Syrians in jeopardy.
New Zealand will be watching implementation closely; and we will continue to advocate for continued, unobstructed humanitarian access.
Mr President,
This is not an abstract or academic debate. Indeed, the stakes for the Syrian people could hardly be higher. We all know how dire the humanitarian situation in Syria is, and how critical the cross-border mechanism remains for reaching those most in need.
For this reason, we are particularly troubled that Russia cast its veto before the announcement on the crossing at Bab Al Hawa. This makes clear that Russia has abused its veto power, blocking this resolution with irresponsible and callous disregard for the lives of millions before any alternative modality was in place or in prospect.
Mr President,
New Zealand is a strong proponent of the Veto Initiative, and we hope that these meetings will encourage Council members to compromise for the collective good.
At the same time, we reiterate that, when the Security Council is unable to act, the General Assembly can play a constructive role in finding potential ways forward.
We further emphasize that the General Assembly can take its own decisions on the question in front of it, if it so chooses. Resolution 76/262 is not prescriptive in this regard. We note that the General Assembly plays an important role in humanitarian affairs, and can legitimately do so in this instance.
Thank you Mr President.