‘Protocols need to be ratified’

Press, 23 April 1983, Page 13

‘Protocols need to be ratified’

PA Wellington The Human Rights Commission has urged the Prime Minister to set an example to the main Powers by ratifying two international Protocols designed to give better protection to combatants and civilians in armed conflicts. The fact that only 27 nations, and none of the big Powers, have ratified the Protocols to the Geneva Conventions is no reason for New Zealand’s delaying accession, the commission says. ’‘New Zealand should be among those showing by its action that it considers what other countries, and particularly the big Powers, should do.” Ratification would also underline New Zealand's

support of the International Red Cross as a great humanitarian organisation. The views of the military must be given due weight, a commission report says. But the final decision must be a political one taken in the light of New Zealand’s commitment to a humanitarian attitude, as far as this is possible in situations of armed conflict New Zealand should quite properly take into account the views of its main allies, the United States and Australia. “New Zealand’s views on a matter of this nature should not however, be determined solely by the considerations of other Governments in relation to their own internal political situation.”