New Zealand has abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly political declaration aimed at strengthening global pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, citing concerns over national sovereignty and international health obligations.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed the decision on social media, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) outlined the Government’s position in a formal statement to the UN. Although New Zealand supports international efforts to improve health systems and pandemic readiness, MFAT emphasised that protecting the country’s independent decision-making on health matters remains a priority.
The Government specifically objected to wording welcoming the adoption of the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Agreement and the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations. “It is very important to New Zealand that its sovereign decision making on health is protected,” the statement said. MFAT reiterated that any future decision to sign and ratify the Pandemic Agreement would require a comprehensive National Interest Test under domestic procedures.
It also confirmed that New Zealand had rejected the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations because the country was “not currently in a position to accept them”. Despite its reservations about these international instruments, New Zealand maintained its support for the broader objective of improving global preparedness for future pandemics. The Government requested that its formal explanation for abstaining be entered into the UN meeting record.
Why abstain when we should have voted against it.
We need to get out of this hideous abomination the UN yesterday
The Palace of Strangers
Predominantly non white beast countries not Nations
Working against us not for us nor in any way serving our interests
Who we have absolutely nothing in common with and never will