Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Mr President,
It is clear from the grim testimony that we have heard today that slavery and the transatlantic slave trade were appalling tragedies of an historic scale, and constitute a grave violation of human dignity of the fundamental human rights of their victims.
New Zealand recognises the profound and lasting impacts of the transatlantic slave trade and thanks Ghana for its efforts in bringing forward this resolution.
We acknowledge the historical legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impact on many member states, and welcome the importance placed on continuing education and awareness raising, and the increased attention that commemorative events have brought to the issue.
New Zealand supports proposals for meaningful, truthful and respectful dialogue among those most impacted, including reparatory justice and reconciliation through appropriate frameworks.
We encourage the continued promotion of comprehensive educational programmes, memorialisation initiatives and research on slavery, the trafficking of enslaved Africans, and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans and their consequences.
We had hoped to be able to vote in favour of this resolution but regrettably New Zealand was not in a position to endorse all aspects of the text presented today.
New Zealand acknowledges the significance and horrific scale of transatlantic slavery, but is not able to endorse a text that suggests a hierarchy of crimes against humanity, and which has implications for other multilateral processes underway related to the progressive development of international law.
New Zealand acknowledges the importance of restorative justice processes, including issues such as reparations, but believes these are more appropriately pursued through relevant judicial tribunals or agreed international legal forums.
New Zealand was unfortunately not able to vote in favour of the text today. But we thank Ghana and other sponsors for the resolution and reaffirm our support for meaningful dialogue, education and progress on addressing the impacts of the transatlantic slave trade.
Thank you.