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Why did New Zealand abstain, rather than vote in favour or against, on the United Nations General Assembly vote on 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights? and 1 other question

Answered 33604, 33662 (2026)
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  • Asked by

    Vanushi Walters

    List MP · Labour Party

    33604

    Question published

    Why did New Zealand abstain, rather than vote in favour or against, on the United Nations General Assembly vote on 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights?

  • Asked by

    Teanau Tuiono

    List MP · Green Party

    33662

    Question published

    Why did New Zealand abstain on a vote to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights?

    Original response/referral lodged:

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

A decision was taken by officials to abstain because, once debate of the relevant resolution was underway at the UN General Assembly in New York, additional information emerged which had not been apparent at the time that voting instructions on the resolution were issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. There was insufficient time for further consultation with Wellington, so an absentation was made.