Marshall Islands’ anti-nuclear case deserves support

Labour is urging the Government to support the Marshall Islands’ unprecedented case against the nine nuclear-armed states in front of the International Court of Justice.

“The Republic of the Marshall Islands has lodged a case against the nuclear powers for breach of the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,” Labour’s Disarmament spokesperson, Maryan Street, says.

“The Marshall Islands were used for 12 years as a testing ground for nuclear weapons by the United States. They understand the devastating and long-term consequences of nuclear explosions.

“They are not seeking compensation, but wanting the nine nuclear-armed states to comply with their obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. This means pursuing negotiations on the cessation of the nuclear arms race in good faith and negotiating nuclear disarmament.

“New Zealand’s status as nuclear free by law is well known internationally. Here is a moment when we could stand alongside a small Pacific nation state in its bid to hold the big nuclear-armed states to account.

“New Zealand attended the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague last month.

“We have been invited to attend President Obama’s discussions on reducing the threat of nuclear war and the number of nuclear weapons stockpiled around the world. We have something to contribute to this international agenda.

“Labour is urging the National Government to stand beside the Marshall Islands in this latest bid to rid the world of nuclear arsenals,” said Maryan Street.

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