The National Government needs to now take responsibility and set some bottom lines around investment in cluster bombs, landmines, and nuclear weapons, the Green Party said today.
The Police have today decided not to prosecute fund managers who have made investments in cluster bomb manufacturers, saying such investments do not breach the Cluster Munitions Prohibition Act. The legality of those investments now remains up in the air.
“New Zealanders haven’t changed their opinion on the ethics of cluster bombs so it’s time the Government set some clear bottom lines for responsible investment when it comes to these illegal weapons of war,” Green Party finance spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said.
“New Zealanders have strong values, and it’s the Government’s responsibility to uphold those shared values in law and policy.
“It’s not okay to make money from companies making weapons that end up blowing kids' legs off or leave our world more vulnerable to a nuclear catastrophe.
“It’s the Government’s duty to uphold our high ethical standards when it comes to how we invest our money.
“New Zealanders have shown over the last few weeks that they care strongly about how their funds are invested. The National Government should too.
“The goal of the legislation surrounding cluster bombs, landmines, and nuclear weapons was to make it illegal to support or profit from these industries,” said Ms Genter.
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