Assessment of New Zealand's Commitment to International Law and Justice in the Gaza Crisis (7 October 2023 – 1 February 2024)
Lance D. Lavery made this Official Information request to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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From: Lance D. Lavery
Dear Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
In continuation of our comprehensive nine-part series under the Official Information Act 1982, this eighth instalment addresses New Zealand's adherence to international law and justice during the Gaza crisis from 7 October 2023 to 1 February 2024.
Previously, we have explored various facets including humanitarian impact, healthcare system support, educational and cultural impact, financial transparency, sanctions and diplomatic relations, diplomatic actions, and the influence of public sentiment and Palestinian statehood recognition on foreign policy. Building upon these inquiries, we now turn our attention to the legal dimensions of New Zealand's international engagement.
Part Eight: New Zealand's Commitment to International Law and Justice
1. New Zealand's Legal Stance and Support for International Judicial Processes:
• What is New Zealand's official position regarding the initiation of legal proceedings in the context of the Gaza crisis?
• How has New Zealand engaged with or supported the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the Gaza crisis?
• Are there specific initiatives or actions taken by New Zealand to promote legal accountability in the Gaza situation?
2. Involvement in International Legal Forums:
• Can you provide detailed information on New Zealand's participation in international legal forums addressing the Gaza crisis?
• How does New Zealand's engagement in these forums align with its commitment to upholding international law and human rights?
• What role has New Zealand played in shaping the international legal discourse regarding the Gaza crisis?
3. Accountability for Alleged War Crimes:
• What measures has New Zealand taken or proposed to ensure accountability for alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza crisis?
• How does New Zealand's approach to these allegations reflect its broader commitment to international justice?
• What collaborations or dialogues has New Zealand engaged in at the international level regarding the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in the Gaza context?
4. Collaboration with International Bodies on Legal Matters:
• Details on New Zealand's collaborations and interactions with international bodies focused on legal aspects of the Gaza crisis.
• Assessments of the effectiveness of these collaborations in promoting legal justice and accountability.
• How does New Zealand evaluate and integrate the legal perspectives of these international bodies into its own foreign policy?
5. Comparative Analysis with Other International Conflicts:
• A comparative analysis of New Zealand's approach to legal proceedings and support for international justice in the Gaza crisis compared to other recent international conflicts.
• Insights into how these comparative stances inform New Zealand's overall foreign policy and commitment to international law.
• Examination of any shifts or evolutions in New Zealand's legal approach in international crises, with a focus on the consistency of its principles and actions.
I anticipate a comprehensive response by 13 February 2024, which will enhance our understanding of New Zealand's commitment to international law and justice in the complex context of the Gaza crisis. This will further contribute to our ongoing evaluation of New Zealand's international engagements and ethical commitments.
Thank you for your cooperation in this critical inquiry.
Yours faithfully,
Lance D. Lavery
From: ENQUIRIES
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
[UNCLASSIFIED]
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From: ENQUIRIES
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Kia ora Lance D Lavery
Thank you for your OIA request received on 14 December 2023 for:
1.New Zealand's Legal Stance and Support for International Judicial Processes:
•What is New Zealand's official position regarding the initiation of legal proceedings in the context of the Gaza crisis?
•How has New Zealand engaged with or supported the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the Gaza crisis?
•Are there specific initiatives or actions taken by New Zealand to promote legal accountability in the Gaza situation?
2.Involvement in International Legal Forums:
•Can you provide detailed information on New Zealand's participation in international legal forums addressing the Gaza crisis?
•How does New Zealand's engagement in these forums align with its commitment to upholding international law and human rights?
•What role has New Zealand played in shaping the international legal discourse regarding the Gaza crisis?
3.Accountability for Alleged War Crimes:
•What measures has New Zealand taken or proposed to ensure accountability for alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza crisis?
•How does New Zealand's approach to these allegations reflect its broader commitment to international justice?
•What collaborations or dialogues has New Zealand engaged in at the international level regarding the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in the Gaza context?
4.Collaboration with International Bodies on Legal Matters:
•Details on New Zealand's collaborations and interactions with international bodies focused on legal aspects of the Gaza crisis.
•Assessments of the effectiveness of these collaborations in promoting legal justice and accountability.
•How does New Zealand evaluate and integrate the legal perspectives of these international bodies into its own foreign policy?
5.Comparative Analysis with Other International Conflicts:
•A comparative analysis of New Zealand's approach to legal proceedings and support for international justice in the Gaza crisis compared to other recent international conflicts.
•Insights into how these comparative stances inform New Zealand's overall foreign policy and commitment to international law.
•Examination of any shifts or evolutions in New Zealand's legal approach in international crises, with a focus on the consistency of its principles and actions.
This email confirms receipt of your request and advises that we will respond to it as soon as reasonably practicable, and in terms of the timeframes and requirements of the OIA.
Please note that our response letter to you (with your personal details redacted), and any enclosed documents, may be published on the Ministry’s website.
Please also note that your request is formally due after the OIA summer holiday period (25 December 2023 to 15 January 2024), which are not considered working days as set out in section 2(1) of the OIA, however the Ministry will seek to provide you with a decision on your request as soon as possible.
Ngā mihi
Executive Services Division
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade | Manatū Aorere
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From: ESD
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Tēnā koe Lance Lavery,
On behalf of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, please see attached the response to your official information request.
Ngā mihi,
Executive Services Division
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