September 8th, 2024
The Green Party, together with over 30 organisations, has called on the New Zealand Government to urgently establish a special visa pathway for Palestinians, citing deteriorating conditions in Gaza and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
The big picture: Ricardo Menéndez March, the Green Party's spokesperson for Immigration, emphasised the critical situation in Gaza, describing it as a matter of life and death for Palestinians, according to a media release from the Green Party.
The appeal for a special visa pathway aims to provide relief to those languishing in catastrophic conditions without access to food, water, medicine, or hope.
Zoom in: Menéndez March criticized the current visa options available to Palestinians, highlighting the failure to address the displacement and loss of livelihood faced by millions. The call for action references New Zealand's past humanitarian efforts, such as offering special visas to Ukrainians during Russia’s invasion and aiding Afghans during the Taliban's return to power, as precedents for the proposed Palestinian visa pathway.
We've also sent this letter to Prime Minister Luxon to call on his Government to join the call for a #permanentceasefire in Palestine.https://t.co/GFY1bfIdwl
— Greenpeace Aotearoa (@GreenpeaceNZ) March 20, 2024
What they're saying: "It is clear the current visa pathways are failing Palestinians," Menéndez March stated, urging the Minister of Immigration to initiate a visa pathway that mirrors the support extended to Ukrainians and Afghans in past crises.
Between the lines: The Green Party's statement criticises the current Immigration Minister's delay in addressing the Gaza conflict, contrasting it with the swift criticism of the Labour Government's response to the Ukrainian crisis. The party argues for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and trauma among Palestinian families.
The bottom line: "Aotearoa must act now," Menéndez March asserts, framing the special visa proposal as a moral imperative aligned with New Zealand's values and history of solidarity. The Greens' call to action underscores the urgency of the situation in Gaza and the need for immediate government intervention to save lives and provide safe haven.