New Zealand and the United Nations

Last updated

New Zealand
Flag of the United Nations.svg Flag of New Zealand.svg
United Nations membership
MembershipFull member
Since26 June 1945 (26 June 1945)
UNSC seat Non-permanent
Permanent Representative Carolyn Schwalger [1]

New Zealand is a founding member of the United Nations, having taken part in the 1945 United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco.

Contents

Since its formation, New Zealand has been actively engaged in the organisation. New Zealand sees the UN as a means of collective security, mainly in the South Pacific region, particularly because New Zealand is a relatively small nation and has very little control over much larger countries or significant events. The UN was also seen as a way of safe-guarding New Zealand, a somewhat fledgling country at the time. The successor New Zealand governments also felt that the United Nations was an important political and military ally to have as it was an integral part of New Zealand's "Collective Security". [2]

New Zealand represents itself and the other constituent countries of the Realm of New Zealand (Niue and the Cook Islands) in the United Nations. The Cook Islands and Niue have full treaty-making capabilities recognized by United Nations Secretariat in 1992 and 1994 respectively [3] [4] and have the option of seeking membership in the United Nations. The Cook Islands and Niue are both associated states of the Realm and members of specialized agencies of the UN such as WHO [5] and UNESCO. [6] They have since become parties to a number of international treaties which the UN Secretariat acts as a depositary for, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [7] and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, [8] and are treated as non-member states. [9] [3] Both the Cook Islands and Niue have expressed a desire to become a UN member state, but New Zealand has said that they would not support the application without a change in their constitutional relationship, in particular their right to New Zealand citizenship. [10] [11]

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark headed the United Nations Development Programme from 2009 to 2017, in which role she was the most senior New Zealander in the UN bureaucracy. In 2016, she stood for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, but was unsuccessful. [12] [13]

History

New Zealand's membership of the United Nations as a founder was a considerable change in foreign policy, although strongly supported by the First Labour Government which in 1935 had a firm belief in the concept of collective security through the League of Nations. [14] Previous governments had put all their political and military reliance in the "Mother Country" (the United Kingdom), and expressed reservations about particular policies privately.

During the Second World War, New Zealand realized that it could no longer rely on Britain for protection. After the Royal Navy's defeat in the Pacific, New Zealand began searching for a way to increase security of its waters and people through mainly collective security arrangements. Following the war, Prime Minister Peter Fraser became actively involved in the creation of the United Nations. He believed that an organization such as the UN could be a place to solve international problems peacefully, ensure New Zealand a say in world affairs, protect the interests of small powers and ally with major world powers like the United States (later reinforced through the ANZUS security agreement). Although on some issues Peter Fraser disagreed with fellow founding members over,[ clarification needed ] especially on the creation of the United Nations Security Council, he was against giving major countries veto power, because it allowed one power to stop any action and would exclude smaller powers from having a say in world issues. He feared that the US, USSR, UK and France (China not being a major power of the time) would not accept equal status with smaller countries. Fraser was later quoted on the issue: "It is very bad if one nation can hold up the advancement of mankind". [15]

United Nations Security Council

New Zealand (and Norway) declined nomination to the Security Council in 1946, refusing nomination by the Ukrainian SSR. New Zealand had proposed Australia as the "obvious choice" for a South Pacific region representative.

New Zealand served on the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the Western European and Others Group in 1954–55, 1966 [16] and 1993–94. It secured a seat again in 2015–16 after the election in 2014. [17] [18]

Support for UN military actions

Right from the start, Peter Fraser supported the formation of Israel. Successive governments have provided military support in the Middle East, Kashmir, India/Pakistan, Cyprus, Cambodia and Korea. More recently, New Zealand peace-keeping troops have been sent to East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Korean War

Poster created during World War II (1943), according to the Declaration by United Nations of 1942 with, among others, the New Zealand Flag. Naciones Unidas 3.jpg
Poster created during World War II (1943), according to the Declaration by United Nations of 1942 with, among others, the New Zealand Flag.

New Zealand was among the first nations to respond to the United Nations call for help. New Zealand joined 15 other nations including the United Kingdom and the United States in the anti-communist war. But the Korean War was also significant, as it marked New Zealand's first move towards association with the United States and United Nations in supporting that country's stand against communism.

New Zealand contributed six frigates, several smaller craft and a 1044 strong volunteer force (known as K-FORCE) to the Korean War. The ships were under the command of a British flag officer and formed part of the U.S. Navy screening force during the Battle of Inchon, performing shore raids and inland bombardment. New Zealand troops remained in Korea in significant numbers for four years after the 1951 armistice, although the last New Zealand soldiers did not leave until 1957 and a single liaison officer remained until 1971. A total of 3,794 New Zealand soldiers served in K-FORCE and 1300 in the Navy deployment. 33 were killed in action, 79 wounded and one soldier was taken prisoner. That prisoner was held in North Korea for eighteen months and repatriated after the armistices. This showed the United Nations that New Zealand was committed to the organization and was willing to support the UN if required.

Kashmir conflict

In 1952, three New Zealand officers were seconded as military observers for the United Nations Military Observer Group in the Kashmir, to supervise a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. New Zealand observers saw service with the force until 1976. [19]

East Timor

Following East Timor's vote for independence in 1999, the United Nations INTERFET (International Force for East Timor) was dispatched into the area. INTERFET was made up of contributions from 17 nations, about 9,900 in total. At its peak, the New Zealand Defence Force had 1,100 personnel in East Timor - New Zealand's largest overseas military deployment since the Korean War. Overall New Zealand's contribution saw just short of 4,000 New Zealanders serve in East Timor. In addition to their operations against militia, the New Zealand troops were also involved in construction of roads and schools, water supplies and other infrastructural assistance. English lessons and medical aid were also provided.

Iraq War

The New Zealand government opposed and officially condemned the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the US-led "Coalition of the Willing" and did not contribute any combat forces. However, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483 New Zealand contributed a small engineering and support force to assist in post-war reconstruction and provision of humanitarian aid. The engineers returned home in October, 2004 and New Zealand is still represented in Iraq by liaison and staff officers working with coalition forces.

Support for UN Aid Programmes

New Zealand supported aid programmes through UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund). In 1947, New Zealand joined ECAFE (Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East), a UNO regional commission from Iran to Japan, which tries to promote Economic development. Promoting economic development was seen as a way of maintaining global peace because it believed that poverty and unemployment was a main factor in social unrest that could lead to uprise or war.

United Nations Humans Rights Council

New Zealand was unsuccessful [20] in its bid for election in 2009 to the 47-seat United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2009-2012 even though New Zealand was the first country from the Pacific region to stand. New Zealand's bid for election was initially supported by Canada and Australia, who are its partners under the 'CANZ' agreement. [21] New Zealand has a long history of legislation that advances human rights, such as being the first country to give women the right to vote. [22]

Internationally, New Zealand works closely with Pacific Island partners to support and assist the promotion and protection of human rights to influence positive and real change that makes lasting differences in people's lives. In May 2008, New Zealand's work to improve the rights of people with disabilities both domestically and internationally was recognised through the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award.

Diplomatic representation

Headquarters of the United Nations in New York City, USA. United Nations HQ - New York City.jpg
Headquarters of the United Nations in New York City, USA.

New Zealand currently has a permanent diplomatic mission to the UN in New York City and also has Permanent Missions to the United Nations Offices in Geneva and Vienna, which focus on human rights and disarmament issues respectively. Mission staff is engaged in multilateral diplomacy with many different countries and organizations. Representatives from the Missions communicate New Zealand's policy positions to UN officials and foreign delegates, and to convey their views back to Ministry representatives in Wellington and New Zealand's overseas posts. The Missions also promote New Zealand's positions in negotiations on UN resolutions, reports and activities.

New Zealand's contribution to the budget for 2008 was 0.256% of the total United Nations budget totalling NZD$7.3m. New Zealand provided NZD$1.2m in 2008 to financing of the Capital Master Plan for the phased renovation of the UN Headquarters. New Zealand also paid further instalments each year until 2011. In the 2006/07 New Zealand financial year, it contributed NZD$16.9m to 14 UN Peacekeeping operations around the world. New Zealand also contributed NZD$986,000 in 2008 to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. [23] [24]

Several New Zealanders currently serve on the following United Nations bodies:

New Zealand is currently represented on the following United Nations bodies:

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign relations of Kazakhstan</span> Overview of the foreign relations of Kazakhstan

Foreign relations of Kazakhstan are primarily based on economic and political security. The Nazarbayev administration has tried to balance relations with Russia and the United States by sending petroleum and natural gas to its northern neighbor at artificially low prices while assisting the U.S. in the War on Terror. Kazakhstan is a member of the United Nations, Collective Security Treaty Organization, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, North Atlantic Cooperation Council, Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and NATO's Partnership for Peace program. Kazakhstan established a customs union with Russia and Belarus, transformed into the Eurasian Economical Community then in 2015 into the Eurasian Economic Union. President Nazarbayev has prioritized economic diplomacy into Kazakhstan's foreign policy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Niue</span> Island country in the South Pacific Ocean

Niue is a self-governing island country in free association with New Zealand. It is situated in the South Pacific Ocean and is part of Polynesia, and predominantly inhabited by Polynesians. The island is commonly referred to as "The Rock", which comes from the traditional name "Rock of Polynesia".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign relations of New Zealand</span>

The foreign relations of New Zealand are oriented chiefly toward developed democratic nations and emerging Pacific Island economies. Until the late 20th century, New Zealand aligned itself strongly with the United Kingdom and had few bilateral relationships with other countries. From the latter half of the 20th century, Australia has been New Zealand's most important cultural, economic and military partner. Today, the country participates in several multilateral political organisations, including Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Pacific Community, and the Pacific Islands Forum. New Zealand has been described as an emerging power; however, such a claim needs to be considered in the context of its medium-sized economy and limited military capability. The country's major political parties have generally agreed on the broad outlines of foreign policy, and the government has been active in promoting free trade, nuclear disarmament, and arms control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Member states of the United Nations</span> List of every UN member state

The member states of the United Nations comprise 193 sovereign states. The United Nations (UN) is the world's largest intergovernmental organization. All members have equal representation in the UN General Assembly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign relations of the Maldives</span>

The Maldives has remained an independent nation throughout its recorded history, save for a brief spell of Portuguese occupation in the mid-16th century. From 1887 to 1965, the country was a British protectorate while retaining full internal sovereignty. At its independence in 1965, the Maldives joined the United Nations on 20 September.

From 1916 to 1975, Tuvalu was part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony of the United Kingdom. A referendum was held in 1974 to determine whether the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands should each have their own administration. As a consequence of the referendum, the separate British colonies of Kiribati and Tuvalu were formed. Tuvalu became fully independent as a sovereign state within the Commonwealth on 1 October 1978. On 5 September 2000, Tuvalu became the 189th member of the United Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Medal</span> Award

A United Nations Medal is an international decoration awarded by the United Nations (UN) to the various world countries members for participation in joint international military and police operations such as peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts, and disaster relief. The medal is ranked in militaries and police forces as a service medal. The United Nations awarded its first medal during the Korean War (1950–1953). Since 1955, many additional United Nations medals have been created and awarded for participation in various United Nations missions and actions around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Realm of New Zealand</span> Entire area (or realm) in which the King of New Zealand is head of state

The Realm of New Zealand is the area over which the monarch of New Zealand is head of state. The realm is not a federation but is a collection of states and territories united under its monarch. New Zealand is an independent and sovereign state that has one territory in Antarctica, one dependent territory (Tokelau), and two associated states. The Realm of New Zealand encompasses the three autonomous jurisdictions of New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Niue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">France and the United Nations</span> Overview of the relationship between France and the United Nations

France has been a member of the United Nations (UN) since its foundation in 1945 and is one of the five countries, alongside China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, that holds a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel–New Zealand relations</span> Bilateral relations

Israel–New Zealand relations are the foreign relations between the State of Israel and New Zealand. While Israel has an embassy in Wellington, New Zealand's embassy in Ankara, Turkey is accredited to the Israel. Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to January 1949. New Zealand has exported a mixture of agricultural and manufactured goods to Israel. In return, Israel has exported a range of manufactured goods to New Zealand. Bilateral relations between the two countries have been complicated by issues such as the 2004 Israel–New Zealand passport scandal, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor</span>

The United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor (UNMIT) was established on 25 August 2006 by UN Security Council Resolution 1704. Its objectives are "to support the Government in consolidating stability, enhancing a culture of democratic governance, and facilitating political dialogue among Timorese stakeholders, in their efforts to bring about a process of national reconciliation and to foster social cohesion". In its most recent resolution on UNMIT, the Council extended its mandate until 26 February 2012. UNMIT and ISF troops left the country at the end of 2012.

Australia was one of the founding members of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 and has been actively engaged in the organisation since its formation. The UN is seen by the Australian Government as a means to influence events which directly affect Australia's interests but over which they have little unilateral control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terence O'Brien (New Zealand diplomat)</span> New Zealand diplomat (1936–2022)

Terence Christopher O'Brien was a New Zealand diplomat. He led New Zealand in 1993 to a seat on the United Nations Security Council and played a strong role in helping to reshape New Zealand's perceptions of itself as a small but fiercely independent nation in the South Pacific.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign relations of Niue</span> Overview of the foreign relations of Niue

Niue maintains diplomatic relations with various other countries and multilateral organizations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Zealand–North Korea relations</span> Bilateral relations

New Zealand–North Korea relations refers to international relations between New Zealand and North Korea. Relations between the two countries have been almost non-existent since the division of Korea. During the Korean War in the 1950s, New Zealand troops fought as part of the United Nations force that repelled the North Korean invasion of South Korea. Since then, New Zealand and North Korea have had little contact, until July 2000 when North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam-sun and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Phil Goff met in Bangkok, leading to the establishment of diplomatic relations in March 2001. The New Zealand ambassador to South Korea based in Seoul is also cross-accredited to North Korea. In 2006, North Korea tested its first nuclear weapon, drawing criticism and suspension of relations by the New Zealand government, which holds a staunch anti-nuclear policy. New Zealand began re-establishing formal relations in 2007, when the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters visited Pyongyang on November 20 to discuss possible political and economic deals with North Korea, on the basis that it start dismantling its nuclear weapons facilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Zealand–Turkey relations</span> Bilateral relations

New Zealand - Turkey relations are the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and the Republic of Turkey. New Zealand and Turkey formalised diplomatic relations between both countries in 1979 but had unofficial forms of contact with each other prior to 1979. Both New Zealand and Turkey are members of numerous organisations such as the OECD, World Trade Organization, United Nations and World Health Organization. New Zealand has an embassy in Ankara and Turkey has an embassy in Wellington.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a state monitoring mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC). It was established by General Assembly resolution 60/251 in 2006 to periodically review the protection and promotion of human rights in each of the 193 United Nations (UN) Member States. New Zealand has been reviewed twice via the UPR in 2009 and 2014.

Malaysia became the 82nd member of the United Nations on 17 September 1957. Malaysia has held a rotational non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for four terms, and has participated in over 30 United Nations peacekeeping missions since October 1960.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Political status of the Cook Islands and Niue</span> Overview of the political status of the Cook Islands and Niue

The political status of the Cook Islands and Niue is formally defined as being states in free association within the Realm of New Zealand, which is made up of the Cook Islands, Niue, and New Zealand and its territories, Tokelau and the Ross Dependency. The Cook Islands and Niue have full constitutional independence from New Zealand and act as independent countries. Some countries have recognised them as sovereign entities and established diplomatic relations. However, New Zealand may carry out defence and foreign affairs on behalf of the two associated states when requested.

References

  1. "New Permanent Representative of New Zealand Presents Credentials".
  2. Bowen, George; Agent, Roydon; Warburton, Graham (2007) [2007]. "8". Year 11 History. North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand: Pearson Education New Zealand. pp. 142–143. ISBN   978-0-7339-9280-3.
  3. 1 2 "Organs Supplement", Repertory of Practice (PDF), UN, p. 10
  4. The World today, UN
  5. "Countries". World Health Organization. Archived from the original on 21 August 2004.
  6. "Member States". United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012.
  7. "Parties to the Convention and Observer States". United Nations. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013.
  8. "Chronological lists of ratifications of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea". United Nations.
  9. "The World Today" (PDF). United Nations.
  10. "NZ PM rules out discussion on Cooks UN membership". Radio New Zealand. 19 June 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  11. "Niue to seek UN membership". Radio New Zealand. 27 October 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
  12. Pilkington, Ed (4 April 2016). "Helen Clark, former New Zealand PM, enters race for UN secretary general" . Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  13. Hunt, Elle (14 June 2017). "Helen Clark: I hit my first glass ceiling at the UN". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  14. McGibbon, I.C. (1981) Blue-Water Rationale:The Naval Defence of New Zealand 1914-1942, page 256 (GP Print, Wellington, NZ) ISBN   0-477-01072-5
  15. David Hackett Fischer (2012). Fairness and Freedom: A History of Two Open Societies: New Zealand and the United States. Oxford University Press. p. 354.
  16. Bowen, George (2001) [1997]. "4". Defending New Zealand. Auckland, New Zealand: Addison Wesley Longman. p. 12. ISBN   0-582-73940-3.
  17. "New Zealand lands seat on UN Security Council". Stuff. 17 October 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  18. "New Zealand UN Security Council Candidate 2015-16". New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Retrieved 3 January 2012. New Zealand is seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2015-16. Elections are in 2014.
  19. "Peacekeeping Operations in Pakistan". Torpedo Bay Navy Museum. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  20. United States Elected to Human Rights Council for First Time, with Belgium, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, as 18 Seats Filled In Single Round of Voting
  21. NZ Candidature for Human Rights Council 2009 – 2012 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  22. NZ seeks UN Human Rights Council seat – New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  23. United Nations - NZ's engagement with the UN - NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Inside Page
  24. United Nations - NZ's contribution - NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade