Phil
GOFF

Associate Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
29 September 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

Multi-lateral action under UN needed to stop ISIS atrocities

New Zealand should press for multi-lateral action against the ISIS slaughter of civilians and its ethnic and religious cleansing of minority groups, says Labour’s Associate Foreign Affairs spokesperson Phil Goff.

“ISIS is an extreme and brutal organisation that constitutes a threat to humanity. It requires a concerted multi-lateral effort across every front to protect those who may otherwise fall victim to its aggression.

“Over 20 years ago New Zealand, as a member of the Security Council, was a strong but minority voice in support of intervention to stop the atrocities occurring in Rwanda.

“As a potential member of the Security Council again next month, New Zealand should once more support the principle of responsibility to protect victims of aggression.

“Preventing future atrocities by ISIS requires much more than air strikes against military positions.

“It needs an across the board effort by the UN to isolate it diplomatically and to prevent the funding and supply of military weapons and personnel to ISIS, which has allowed it to attack, occupy and slaughter minority groups in the area it has seized,” Phil Goff said.

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