New Zealand’s Foreign Minister condemns Russia at UN and seeks Security Council seat
NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters has criticized Russia’s ‘delinquency’ and also held both Israel and Hamas responsible for the Gaza conflict.
During his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 27, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters made sure the small nation’s voice was heard.
In a departure from his prepared speech, he took a moment to address those having side conversations in the audience, saying, “Or maybe a third principle, when somebody is addressing you, the rest of the people in the room keep quiet.”
But that was likely the least controversial part of his speech, during which he labeled Russia as “delinquent,” accused Hamas of “monstrous terrorist attacks,” and described Israel’s response as “overwhelming,” stating that both had brought the world “to the brink of a broader conflict.”
New Zealand has long been critical of the use of veto powers by the Security Council’s permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Peters called on the General Assembly to demand more accountability from the Council and assess “the reasons behind the use of the veto when it hinders meaningful action.”
He referenced a warning from New Zealand’s former prime minister, Peter Fraser, who cautioned that “the veto wielded by one of the Great Powers, in relation to both itself and other nations, is unfair and indefensible, and if retained and used, could be harmful not only to the main goals of the international organization but to the institution itself.”
Related Stories
The U.N. Security Council votes on a resolution allowing Palestinian U.N. membership at United Nations headquarters in New York on April 18, 2024. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
Peters remarked that the initial spirit behind the creation of the United Nations Charter was now “waning under the pressure of its own distorted history.”
He cautioned that some permanent members “routinely abuse this authority” before explicitly calling out Russia for vetoing resolutions related to its invasion of Ukraine and refusing to withdraw immediately.
He accused the superpower of “showing complete disdain” for the U.N. Charter by illegally invading Ukraine and then blocking international condemnation with its veto power.
Peters asserted that Russia not only lacks the sincerity and moral compass necessary to make the United Nations effective, but its misconduct should prompt urgent Security Council reform.
He emphasized the need for Security Council reform to reflect the current global landscape, marked by escalating tensions between a rules-based international system safeguarding small states and the “unwarranted exercise of power by particular Great Powers.”
“Small states are just as significant now as they were in the past. New Zealand firmly believes in the equality of all nations and that our voices carry as much weight as the more influential states represented here. It is the quality of our arguments and the principles of justice they embody—not the size of our armies—that should prevail here.”
‘Unacceptable Violence’ in Gaza
Shifting focus to the Gaza conflict, the foreign minister’s language showcased New Zealand’s evolving stance over the past month.
Having previously unwaveringly supported Israel, Peters now shared blame on both sides, questioning where the “sincerity and moral direction” of today’s leaders was amid the “furious violence.”
He highlighted that the suffering was a result of both Hamas’ terrorist attacks and Israel’s robust response, expressing concern about the long-term consequences of such widespread suffering and violence leading to a potential broader conflict.
“Distrust and division are escalating, making international cooperation more challenging, straining the United Nations, and impeding its ability to find effective solutions,” Peters stated, underscoring the need for diplomatic solutions and political leadership.
He reminded the General Assembly of the sacrifices New Zealand had made in past conflicts, emphasizing the nation’s desire to avoid another world war.
“We must push back against those who seek domination and supremacy. Pursuing the path of peace is imperative because the true victories of humanity are those rooted in peace, not war.”
Peters also announced New Zealand’s intention to vie for a seat on the Security Council as a champion for small states—though not until the term of 2039-40. New Zealand previously occupied a two-year term between January 2015 and December 2016, following a ten-year campaign.
