Alliance condemns decision to withdraw from UN racism conference

Alliance Party media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday 22 April 2009

The Alliance Party condemns the government's decision to boycott the United Nations conference on Racism.

Alliance Party co leader Kay Murray says New Zealand should have attended the conference and engaged in constructive debate on the issue of combating racism in all its forms.

Ms Murray says the decision is hypocrisy.

"Staying away in case someone says something we don't agree with flies in the face of freedom of speech."

She says simply by attending the conference New Zealand would not be agreeing with every statement made there.

"If we took this approach to politics in New Zealand, no MP would attend Parliament because they disagree with each other."

Ms Murray says the Alliance Party agrees with the view of the Race Relations Commissioner that New Zealand should be at the conference.

"It is abhorrent that the United States definition of racism is the only one recognized by New Zealand and that Israel is considered above reproach despite the atrocities it has committed, and continues to commit, against Palestinians."

She says an opportunity to work towards greater understanding and tolerance has been lost due to the intolerance of the USA and those countries trying to curry favour with the US.

The rest of the world will take note and judge New Zealand accordingly.

"Our international reputation has been sullied and for what?," asks Ms Murray

"Have we got to the stage when the USA says jump, John Key asks how high?"

ENDS

© Scoop Media