New Zealand Urged to Uphold International Law Amid Gaza Crisis

In a significant diplomatic gesture, foreign ministries from 30 countries, including New Zealand, issued a joint statement last week acknowledging the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The statement condemned the escalating violence and called for “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire,” highlighting that the suffering of civilians has reached “new depths.” This urgent plea comes in the wake of the ongoing conflict that has resulted in over 61,000 deaths since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, with around 59,500 Palestinians and 1,710 Israelis among the casualties.

Global Order at Risk

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza exemplifies a broader decline in the international rules-based order, a framework established by institutions such as the United Nations and reliant on multilateralism. Events over the past two decades, including the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, China’s actions in the South China Sea, and Russia’s annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine, are indicative of a trend that undermines global governance and the adherence to international law.

The United Nations Security Council, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, has often been rendered ineffective due to the veto powers held by its five permanent members. The frequent exercise of vetoes by the US, Russia, and China illustrates a prioritization of national interests over collective security, contributing to a perception that some nations operate above the law.

For smaller nations such as New Zealand and middle powers like Australia, the international rules-based order is vital for fostering prosperity and security. While great powers may view rules as limitations, smaller states rely on them to navigate international relations in a stable and predictable manner.

The Role of Smaller States

Some analysts argue that smaller states, including New Zealand, are powerless against the prevailing dominance of great powers. The realist perspective suggests that nations like New Zealand must accept violations of international law by more powerful allies, such as the US or Israel. This viewpoint, however, overlooks the potential for smaller nations to influence global affairs through strategic multilateral engagement.

Historical context is essential; the founders of the UN, including New Zealand’s Labour government led by Prime Minister Peter Fraser, opted to include a veto mechanism to secure the participation of major powers in the organization. As we approach 2025, it is clear that neither the US nor China can effectively manage global challenges, such as climate change and pandemics, alone. These issues transcend borders and require collective action.

Despite the current geopolitical rivalries, smaller and middle powers can assert themselves and contribute meaningfully to international dialogues. The Christchurch Call of 2020 serves as a prime example, where New Zealand and France united to combat online extremism, garnering support from over 55 countries, including the United States.

As the decline of international norms continues, smaller nations cannot depend solely on the UN Security Council to address these challenges. Instead, New Zealand has the opportunity to initiate diplomatic efforts aimed at revitalizing the international rules-based order. This could involve advocating for reforms within the Security Council to limit the use of vetoes or proposing that resolutions with significant support from the General Assembly be binding.

Without such measures, the risk remains that certain states will continue to act as though they are above international law, perpetuating conflicts akin to the situation in Gaza. New Zealand’s proactive engagement in these discussions could play a crucial role in shaping a more equitable and stable global landscape.