Assessment of New Zealand's Commitment to International Law and Justice in the Gaza Crisis (7 October 2023 – 1 February 2024)

Lance D. Lavery made this Official Information request to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Response to this request is long overdue. By law Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade should have responded by now (details and exceptions). The requester can complain to the Ombudsman.

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

In continuation of our comprehensive nine-part series under the Official Information Act 1982, this eighth instalment addresses New Zealand's adherence to international law and justice during the Gaza crisis from 7 October 2023 to 1 February 2024.

Previously, we have explored various facets including humanitarian impact, healthcare system support, educational and cultural impact, financial transparency, sanctions and diplomatic relations, diplomatic actions, and the influence of public sentiment and Palestinian statehood recognition on foreign policy. Building upon these inquiries, we now turn our attention to the legal dimensions of New Zealand's international engagement.

Part Eight: New Zealand's Commitment to International Law and Justice

1. New Zealand's Legal Stance and Support for International Judicial Processes:

• What is New Zealand's official position regarding the initiation of legal proceedings in the context of the Gaza crisis?
• How has New Zealand engaged with or supported the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the Gaza crisis?
• Are there specific initiatives or actions taken by New Zealand to promote legal accountability in the Gaza situation?

2. Involvement in International Legal Forums:

• Can you provide detailed information on New Zealand's participation in international legal forums addressing the Gaza crisis?
• How does New Zealand's engagement in these forums align with its commitment to upholding international law and human rights?
• What role has New Zealand played in shaping the international legal discourse regarding the Gaza crisis?

3. Accountability for Alleged War Crimes:

• What measures has New Zealand taken or proposed to ensure accountability for alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza crisis?
• How does New Zealand's approach to these allegations reflect its broader commitment to international justice?
• What collaborations or dialogues has New Zealand engaged in at the international level regarding the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in the Gaza context?

4. Collaboration with International Bodies on Legal Matters:

• Details on New Zealand's collaborations and interactions with international bodies focused on legal aspects of the Gaza crisis.
• Assessments of the effectiveness of these collaborations in promoting legal justice and accountability.
• How does New Zealand evaluate and integrate the legal perspectives of these international bodies into its own foreign policy?

5. Comparative Analysis with Other International Conflicts:

• A comparative analysis of New Zealand's approach to legal proceedings and support for international justice in the Gaza crisis compared to other recent international conflicts.
• Insights into how these comparative stances inform New Zealand's overall foreign policy and commitment to international law.
• Examination of any shifts or evolutions in New Zealand's legal approach in international crises, with a focus on the consistency of its principles and actions.

I anticipate a comprehensive response by 13 February 2024, which will enhance our understanding of New Zealand's commitment to international law and justice in the complex context of the Gaza crisis. This will further contribute to our ongoing evaluation of New Zealand's international engagements and ethical commitments.

Thank you for your cooperation in this critical inquiry.

Yours faithfully,

Lance D. Lavery

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From: ENQUIRIES
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

[UNCLASSIFIED]

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From: ENQUIRIES
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

[UNCLASSIFIED]

Kia ora Lance D Lavery

Thank you for your OIA request received on 14 December 2023 for:
1.New Zealand's Legal Stance and Support for International Judicial Processes:

•What is New Zealand's official position regarding the initiation of legal proceedings in the context of the Gaza crisis?
•How has New Zealand engaged with or supported the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the Gaza crisis?
•Are there specific initiatives or actions taken by New Zealand to promote legal accountability in the Gaza situation?

2.Involvement in International Legal Forums:

•Can you provide detailed information on New Zealand's participation in international legal forums addressing the Gaza crisis?
•How does New Zealand's engagement in these forums align with its commitment to upholding international law and human rights?
•What role has New Zealand played in shaping the international legal discourse regarding the Gaza crisis?

3.Accountability for Alleged War Crimes:

•What measures has New Zealand taken or proposed to ensure accountability for alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza crisis?
•How does New Zealand's approach to these allegations reflect its broader commitment to international justice?
•What collaborations or dialogues has New Zealand engaged in at the international level regarding the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in the Gaza context?

4.Collaboration with International Bodies on Legal Matters:

•Details on New Zealand's collaborations and interactions with international bodies focused on legal aspects of the Gaza crisis.
•Assessments of the effectiveness of these collaborations in promoting legal justice and accountability.
•How does New Zealand evaluate and integrate the legal perspectives of these international bodies into its own foreign policy?

5.Comparative Analysis with Other International Conflicts:

•A comparative analysis of New Zealand's approach to legal proceedings and support for international justice in the Gaza crisis compared to other recent international conflicts.
•Insights into how these comparative stances inform New Zealand's overall foreign policy and commitment to international law.
•Examination of any shifts or evolutions in New Zealand's legal approach in international crises, with a focus on the consistency of its principles and actions.
This email confirms receipt of your request and advises that we will respond to it as soon as reasonably practicable, and in terms of the timeframes and requirements of the OIA.

Please note that our response letter to you (with your personal details redacted), and any enclosed documents, may be published on the Ministry’s website.

Please also note that your request is formally due after the OIA summer holiday period (25 December 2023 to 15 January 2024), which are not considered working days as set out in section 2(1) of the OIA, however the Ministry will seek to provide you with a decision on your request as soon as possible.

Ngā mihi

Executive Services Division
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade | Manatū Aorere

-----Original Message-----
From: Lance D. Lavery <[FOI #25185 email]>
Sent: Thursday, 14 December 2023 9:06 pm
To: ENQUIRIES <[MFAT request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Assessment of New Zealand's Commitment to International Law and Justice in the Gaza Crisis (7 October 2023 – 1 February 2024)

Dear Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

In continuation of our comprehensive nine-part series under the Official Information Act 1982, this eighth instalment addresses New Zealand's adherence to international law and justice during the Gaza crisis from 7 October 2023 to 1 February 2024.

Previously, we have explored various facets including humanitarian impact, healthcare system support, educational and cultural impact, financial transparency, sanctions and diplomatic relations, diplomatic actions, and the influence of public sentiment and Palestinian statehood recognition on foreign policy. Building upon these inquiries, we now turn our attention to the legal dimensions of New Zealand's international engagement.

Part Eight: New Zealand's Commitment to International Law and Justice

1.New Zealand's Legal Stance and Support for International Judicial Processes:

•What is New Zealand's official position regarding the initiation of legal proceedings in the context of the Gaza crisis?
•How has New Zealand engaged with or supported the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the Gaza crisis?
•Are there specific initiatives or actions taken by New Zealand to promote legal accountability in the Gaza situation?

2.Involvement in International Legal Forums:

•Can you provide detailed information on New Zealand's participation in international legal forums addressing the Gaza crisis?
•How does New Zealand's engagement in these forums align with its commitment to upholding international law and human rights?
•What role has New Zealand played in shaping the international legal discourse regarding the Gaza crisis?

3.Accountability for Alleged War Crimes:

•What measures has New Zealand taken or proposed to ensure accountability for alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza crisis?
•How does New Zealand's approach to these allegations reflect its broader commitment to international justice?
•What collaborations or dialogues has New Zealand engaged in at the international level regarding the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in the Gaza context?

4.Collaboration with International Bodies on Legal Matters:

•Details on New Zealand's collaborations and interactions with international bodies focused on legal aspects of the Gaza crisis.
•Assessments of the effectiveness of these collaborations in promoting legal justice and accountability.
•How does New Zealand evaluate and integrate the legal perspectives of these international bodies into its own foreign policy?

5.Comparative Analysis with Other International Conflicts:

•A comparative analysis of New Zealand's approach to legal proceedings and support for international justice in the Gaza crisis compared to other recent international conflicts.
•Insights into how these comparative stances inform New Zealand's overall foreign policy and commitment to international law.
•Examination of any shifts or evolutions in New Zealand's legal approach in international crises, with a focus on the consistency of its principles and actions.

I anticipate a comprehensive response by 13 February 2024, which will enhance our understanding of New Zealand's commitment to international law and justice in the complex context of the Gaza crisis. This will further contribute to our ongoing evaluation of New Zealand's international engagements and ethical commitments.

Thank you for your cooperation in this critical inquiry.

Yours faithfully,

Lance D. Lavery

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25185 email]

Is [MFAT request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not necessarily the official view or communication of the Ministry. If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please email or telephone the sender immediately."

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From: ESD
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade


Attachment OIA 28963 Lance Lavery Response.pdf
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[UNCLASSIFIED]

Tēnā koe Lance Lavery,

On behalf of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, please see attached the response to your official information request.

Ngā mihi,

Executive Services Division

-----Original Message-----
From: Lance D. Lavery <[FOI #25185 email]>
Sent: Thursday, 14 December 2023 9:06 pm
To: ENQUIRIES <[MFAT request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Assessment of New Zealand's Commitment to International Law and Justice in the Gaza Crisis (7 October 2023 – 1 February 2024)

Dear Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

In continuation of our comprehensive nine-part series under the Official Information Act 1982, this eighth instalment addresses New Zealand's adherence to international law and justice during the Gaza crisis from 7 October 2023 to 1 February 2024.

Previously, we have explored various facets including humanitarian impact, healthcare system support, educational and cultural impact, financial transparency, sanctions and diplomatic relations, diplomatic actions, and the influence of public sentiment and Palestinian statehood recognition on foreign policy. Building upon these inquiries, we now turn our attention to the legal dimensions of New Zealand's international engagement.

Part Eight: New Zealand's Commitment to International Law and Justice

1.New Zealand's Legal Stance and Support for International Judicial Processes:

•What is New Zealand's official position regarding the initiation of legal proceedings in the context of the Gaza crisis?
•How has New Zealand engaged with or supported the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the Gaza crisis?
•Are there specific initiatives or actions taken by New Zealand to promote legal accountability in the Gaza situation?

2.Involvement in International Legal Forums:

•Can you provide detailed information on New Zealand's participation in international legal forums addressing the Gaza crisis?
•How does New Zealand's engagement in these forums align with its commitment to upholding international law and human rights?
•What role has New Zealand played in shaping the international legal discourse regarding the Gaza crisis?

3.Accountability for Alleged War Crimes:

•What measures has New Zealand taken or proposed to ensure accountability for alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza crisis?
•How does New Zealand's approach to these allegations reflect its broader commitment to international justice?
•What collaborations or dialogues has New Zealand engaged in at the international level regarding the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in the Gaza context?

4.Collaboration with International Bodies on Legal Matters:

•Details on New Zealand's collaborations and interactions with international bodies focused on legal aspects of the Gaza crisis.
•Assessments of the effectiveness of these collaborations in promoting legal justice and accountability.
•How does New Zealand evaluate and integrate the legal perspectives of these international bodies into its own foreign policy?

5.Comparative Analysis with Other International Conflicts:

•A comparative analysis of New Zealand's approach to legal proceedings and support for international justice in the Gaza crisis compared to other recent international conflicts.
•Insights into how these comparative stances inform New Zealand's overall foreign policy and commitment to international law.
•Examination of any shifts or evolutions in New Zealand's legal approach in international crises, with a focus on the consistency of its principles and actions.

I anticipate a comprehensive response by 13 February 2024, which will enhance our understanding of New Zealand's commitment to international law and justice in the complex context of the Gaza crisis. This will further contribute to our ongoing evaluation of New Zealand's international engagements and ethical commitments.

Thank you for your cooperation in this critical inquiry.

Yours faithfully,

Lance D. Lavery

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25185 email]

Is [MFAT request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not necessarily the official view or communication of the Ministry. If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please email or telephone the sender immediately."

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