Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour will investigate the possibility of New Zealand offering to host and co-sponsor
a Southern Hemisphere Nuclear Weapons Free Zone conference emphasizing the
need for nuclear weapon states to sign protocols to the various treaties as a
confidence building measure.
There is now a real possibility that an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) may be concluded by the
end of 2012. Each year one-third of a million people are killed by conventional weapons.
Much of the human suffering is a result of irresponsible and inadequately regulated trade in
conventional arms and weapons.
Labour will be an active supporter and advocate for a global ATT, and will work with
South Pacific nations and civil society to maximise the treaty‟s impact in better
controlling the export and transfer of conventional arms in and around our region, in
particular seeking to prevent such trade into potentially volatile and vulnerable areas
thereof with a view to ensuring that any trade in conventional arms in our region does
not cause or contribute to any form of conflict or political instability.
When last in government, Labour together with a coalition of interested citizens, progressed
the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. In the same vein, Labour is keen to reignite the
international momentum for nuclear disarmament, given the UN Secretary-General‟s 5-point
plan and President Obama‟s leadership in this area.
New Zealand must continue to participate in multilateral fora where these issues are debated
with a view to making the world a more secure place.
Labour will participate with vigour in multilateral fora to advance nuclear nonproliferation
and disarmament.
Labour will consult with the NGO sector to determine priorities and efforts needed to
achieve our aims.
Human Rights/UN
Labour is concerned that the importance of human rights issues has been diminished over
the past three years.
Labour maintains a strong defence of human rights, both at home and abroad. We must
continue to accept and look after refugees and play our part in the rescue of people who are
fleeing oppressive regimes.
Labour also believes that strong multilateral bodies present the best possibility for the
advancement of human rights and the resolution of conflict around the world. Where such
organisations are faulty, they need strengthening and reform in our view, not abandoning.
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