Te Ururoa Flavell
MP for Waiariki

Wednesday 13th March 2013

Māori Party Calls for Universal Condemnation of Torture

The Māori Party supported the Notice of Motion placed before the House yesterday condemning the use of torture on detainees in Fiji, and are now calling for universal condemnation of all uses of torture in all countries around the world.

“While we support the motion in the House today, we don’t think we should be unilaterally singling out one country when we know that there have been examples of torture used in other places, such as in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, Rapanui, China and the widespread use of torture in government detention centres in Afghanistan,” said Te Ururoa Flavell. “We know there are human rights issues elsewhere and we should pursue them all.”

“It’s about being consistent. If we are going to raise the issue, then we ask all Parties to treat all nations similarly and not just focus on small nations because they happen to be offside of the Government.”

“We reiterate that to physically harm another human being is disgraceful. In this country it is a crime. Instead of isolating examples here and there we should draw a line in the sand and say it is not acceptable in any country.”

“We are a nation that firmly believes in upholding human rights. This is a universal human rights issue that cannot be tolerated and all parties in the house should be bold enough to make a stand on this issue.”

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>