Victory for Kiwis involved in Australian case

The International Court of Justice’s decision that Japan’s whaling in the Southern Ocean should end is a victory for the protection of whales around the world, says Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shearer.

“This is also a victory for the Australian Government and the New Zealanders who gave evidence and vindicates their bold decision to have the issue brought before the ICJ.

“The court has confirmed what New Zealand has always claimed: that Japan’s continued killing of whales under JARPA II – which is nothing more than slaughter under the highly dubious guise of science – is false.

“Like New Zealand, Japan has always placed great importance on the international legal order and the rule of law. Japan’s early statements that it will abide by the ICJ’s ruling are welcome.

“Diplomatic efforts are now needed to ensure that new loopholes are not found to continue whaling operations.

“The court case is fantastic news for the many New Zealanders who have campaigned against whaling and upholds our belief that these gracious creatures of our oceans should be protected,” says David Shearer.

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