STOP THE WAR ON CHILDREN: Joint Official Statement of Filipino Mass Organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand
Thousands of children continue to suffer in Palestine due to the ongoing U.S.-backed genocide perpetrated by the Zionist state of Israel. Since 7 October 2023, more than a million Palestinian women and children have been displaced, and approximately 16,000 children have been killed by the IDF, with thousands more bodies yet to be recovered from the rubble.
Despite these staggering numbers, the Philippine and New Zealand governments have aligned themselves with the war-mongering tactics of U.S. imperialism in the Asia-Pacific region.
Their participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercises demonstrates their complicity in environmental destruction and the plunder of communities, which adversely affects children throughout our region.
On this day, we also stand against the New Zealand government's actions that undermine Te Tiriti. These actions include the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora (The Māori Health Authority), efforts to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act, and attempts to disregard tangata whenua and the values of kaitiakitanga through the Fast-Track Approvals Bill. Such actions demonstrate a lack of respect for issues deeply important to te ao Māori.
Join the Filipino contingent in demanding peace and justice for Palestine and asserting the rights of children worldwide against imperialist plunder, militarism, and fascism.
From Palestine to the Philippines, Stop the U.S. War Machine!
From the River to the sea, Palestine will be free!
U.S. Troops, out of the philippines and asia-pacific now!
Oppose Fast-track Approvals bill now!
