A motion asking that the Dunedin City Council’s Community Services Committee support the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill will be considered on Wednesday 18 June.

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION BY MIDNIGHT, TUESDAY JUNE 17. The Petition will continue after that date, but it will be useful to have as many as possible prior to the committee meeting.

Note: Please note that signature is restricted to residents of Dunedin and Greater Dunedin only. Thank you!

PETITION

TĒNĀ KOUTOU DUNEDIN CITY COUNCILLORS,

As deeply concerned residents of Ōtepoti Dunedin, we, the undersigned, respectfully urge you to support the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill.

In doing so, you will be expressing deep concern regarding the ongoing and systematic human rights violations committed by the Israeli regime in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). Further, you will be offering solace and solidarity to Ōtepoti Dunedin’s local Palestinian community whose members have since October 7, 2023, been bereaved and/or have endured 20 months of constant anxiety, sleeplessness and worry for Elderly Parents and other family members who are trapped in Gaza and the West Bank.

To stand up for the fundamental rights of all Palestinians is an urgent matter of conscience. As with the ending of apartheid in South Africa or campaigning against nuclear weapons, New Zealand must once again show courage and bold leadership that upholds international law and protects the powerless.

KĀ MIHI NUI,

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR SIGNATORIES

Why the Bill Matters

The Bill proposes targeted sanctions against individuals and entities complicit in maintaining Israel’s unlawful presence in the OPT. These sanctions would restrict the movement of assets, services, and individuals between New Zealand and those contributing to violations of international law.

The Bill builds on New Zealand’s existing sanctions framework—used in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—and is a credible, principled method for:

• Upholding the rights of Palestinians, Israelis, and others affected by the occupation and apartheid policies.

• Translating New Zealand’s verbal commitments at the United Nations into tangible legislative action.

• Reinforcing the integrity of the rules-based international order and our obligations under international law.

Call to Action

This is a member’s bill. Under Standing Order 288, it may be introduced directly if 61 or more non-executive MPs express their support. Given the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we believe the urgency of this situation justifies bypassing the standard ballot process.

A Matter of Conscience

We urge you to stand with us and support this Bill. It is a vital opportunity for New Zealand to show leadership, uphold international law, and affirm the values we claim to represent on the world stage.