Let’s work together for justice and change.

STEP ONE: Read the Open Letter

Open Letter to Carl Bates MP from his constituents: Support the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill

Tēnā koe Carl Bates MP,

We, your constituents (undersigned), are deeply concerned about the horrific continued abuse of human rights by the Israeli regime in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).  Over 15 months, Gaza has been reduced to rubble, while its population has been starved, bombed, burnt alive, and subject to unconscionable misery.  Israel’s presence in OPT has already been held to violate international law by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) (with support from the New Zealand government).  We urge you to take meaningful action and support the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill.

Our community has a proud tradition for standing up for the rights of the most vulnerable. It was here that our community took a stand at Pākaitore, and Whanganui District Council was the first district council in the country to pass a moti on calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as one calling for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. As a community who values human rights, we cannot stand by and watch this happen, but must do everything within our power to prevent human rights abuses and hold those responsible to account. You campaigned on being an advocate for all your constituents and we urge you to heed our call.

The Bill allows for sanctions to be imposed on Israel and uses the existing sanctions framework New Zealand imposed on Russia. It is a meaningful way for New Zealand to:

  • stand up for the human rights of Palestinians, Israelis and all people currently suffering under Israel’s illegal occupation and apartheid regime;

  • be true to our word through concrete legislative action consistent with the UN resolutions New Zealand has supported to advance justice and peace in Palestine and Israel, and

  • comply with New Zealand’s obligations under international law, and contribute to maintaining the integrity of the rules-based international order.

As this is a members’ bill, if 61 or more non-executive MPs indicate support for the Bill, the Bill will be introduced without needing to be selected through the ballot process.


We are asking you to:

  • Indicate your support for the introduction of this Bill to so that Parliament can consider how New Zealand can stand up for human rights in Palestine and Israel in a concrete way for the first time since the war on Gaza began

  • Let your caucus know your constituents want your party to support this Bill, and encourage other members of your party to support the introduction of the Bill, so we can get the 6 MPs needed to join the 55 that already support the Bill

  • Vote in favour of the Bill at all stages (once the Bill is introduced), so that it becomes law and the world can see that New Zealand will take action to unhold international law and stand up for the human rights of Palestinians and Israelis

Standing up for the fundamental human rights of Palestinians - the children, the elderly, the men and women who are desperately trying to look after their families - is a matter of conscience. 

We, the undersigned constituents, urge you to stand on the right side of history and do everything in your power to try to prevent the further genocide of the Palestinian people - supporting this Bill is a meaningful action your constituents want you to take as their representative.


Further information:

STEP TWO: Sign the Open Letter

Sign the Open Letter to Carl Bates MP