Clark Must Do More to Help Zimbabweans

Tuesday 13 Aug 2002

Helen Clark's intention to place sanctions against Zimbabwe should be bolstered by a practical move to help Zimbabwean families immigrate to New Zealand, ACT New Zealand Acting Leader Ken Shirley said today.

"The Prime Minister's rhetoric criticising the cruel dictatorship of Robert Mugabe doesn't help the families being terrorised and chased off their land.

"What would help is practical assistance to allow Zimbabwean families to resettle in New Zealand. These experienced and hard-working farmers fit in well here. They tend to be well-educated and fluent in the English language. Experience shows that this group of immigrants are generally law-abiding and unlikely to become welfare beneficiaries. As a group, they can make a positive contribution to New Zealand society.

"We cannot stand by and do nothing. Increasing sanctions, though a sensible gesture, is not enough. Ms Clark must immediately make firm plans to help the families persecuted by Robert Mugabe," Mr Shirley said.

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