12274 (2026). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

12274 (2026). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Why did New Zealand abstain on the vote on the recent U.N. General Assembly resolution to condemn the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the transatlantic slave trade?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: The trafficking of enslaved Africans and the transatlantic slave trade was appalling. New Zealand's explanation of vote recognised the profound and lasting impacts of the transatlantic slave trade, and expressed New Zealand's support for proposals for meaningful, truthful and respectful dialogue among those most impacted, including reparatory justice and reconciliation through appropriate frameworks. New Zealand's explanation of vote registered our regret that we could not endorse all aspects of the specific text put forward. Over fifty countries, including New Zealand, abstained.