Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
The strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, Iran in this conflict is an absolute tragedy.
We welcome the US decision that it will independently investigate what happened and release the results. This is an essential step forward toward accountability.
The protection of children, in peacetime and in conflict, must remain a top priority for the international community. Children should not – and must not – be made to bear the cost of this conflict.
New Zealand is deeply alarmed by the devastating impacts of this conflict on civilians. We call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including to protect civilian and civilian objects, including schools.
We implore all states to take urgent action to protect children, uphold international law, and prevent further loss of life. Human rights must be upheld and protected at all times.
We urge the parties to engage in negotiations to reach an immediate cessation of hostilities, and a diplomatic solution to the conflict. The longer this conflict goes on, the more severe the human impacts for all.
Thank you, Mr President.