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Mr. President.
We have already taken opportunities at this session, most recently today in respect of Myanmar, to raise situations of concern. We use this opportunity to raise several situations that are not specifically on the work programme.
New Zealand is concerned at the violence and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. The Government, and the ruling party ZANU-PF, are conducting a campaign of state-sponsored terror to undermine the democratic process.
Without international observers, groups affiliated to ZANU-PF can act with impunity against opposition supporters, human rights activists, union leaders, and ordinary citizens. Credible reports indicate that 50 opposition MDC activists have been killed by militias linked to the ruling party. This violence must stop.
The presidential run-off must be open to international monitors to deter violence and uphold popular will. We welcome the mediation efforts of the Southern African Development Community, and the African Union.
New Zealand is also concerned about human rights abuses and the humanitarian situation in Darfur. Many abuses are committed by state security forces. New Zealand stands with the international community in expressing extreme concern at the continuation of such behaviour.
Without the UNAMID deployment, there can be no protection of human rights in Darfur. We call on the Government of National Unity to co-operate fully with the United Nations and African Union, to facilitate UNAMID’s deployment. The safety of agencies providing humanitarian access must be guaranteed.
We strongly urge the Sudanese Government to comply with its legal obligations to put a complete stop to the participation of its forces in the continued repression and abuse of civilians, and to arrest and surrender those persons in respect of whom the ICC has issued arrest warrants for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Finally, New Zealand acknowledges progress in Kenya following the post-election violence there. Both main political parties agreed to form a Government of National Unity. A Commission of Inquiry into Post Election Violence was established, along with a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, and a constitutional review. These measures demonstrate a desire for peaceful solutions. We commend the efforts of the parties involved, particularly the meditation led by Kofi Annan, the African Union and the United Nations.
Thank you Mr President.
