Hatred at U.N. ‘horrifies’ N.Z. delegate

Press, 12 April 1978, Page 6

Hatred at U.N. ‘horrifies’ N.Z. delegate

Political manoeuvring by East European delegates at the 1978 session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women alarmed the New Zealand delegate. Miss Colleen Dewe, who returned this week from the 16-dav session in New York. Miss Dewe, who is the member of Parliament for Lyttelton, said the Eastern

(European bloc had constantly Itried to manipulate representatives of developing countries by "political manoeuv- ! ring.” I Indeed, a debate on the j protection of women and i children during a national ! emergency had been ex- ! ploited as an excuse to I preach hatred and bigotry iagainst Israel, Miss Dewe | said. ; “I was horrified at what came out of that. I listened |to hatred being preached for [a day and a half. It was ! deplorable that it could even Ibe allowed to happen.” she said. Eastern European deleI gates had read long typewritten scripts that had obviously been prepared for them by government officials. Miss Dewe said. Speaking-time during the anti-Zionist debate had been granted to observers from the Palestine Liberation Organisation, the Organisation for African Unity, and a number of Arab states. Delegates from Western ! nations had remained silent during the tirades. No resolution had been moved and at the conclusion of the debate the Israeli delegate presented a statement which listed the atrocities that had been Icommitted against the Jews.; said Miss Dewe. Miss Dewe said the com-! mission could make worth[while contributions to the; I United Nations on the status’ |of women only if it was allowed to do so. Miss Dewe said she had attempted to ensure that debate at the next world conference (Teheran, 1980) would be more constructive bv cosponsoring a resolution that 'the theme relate to the education. health, and ernplovjment of women in developing countries.