Fiji, Oct. 14 -- New Zealand has abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly political declaration on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, citing concerns over national sovereignty and its position on international health agreements.
New Zealand Permanent Representative to the United Nations Victoria Hallum said the country supported efforts to strengthen global health systems and improve preparedness for future pandemics but could not support parts of the declaration.
In an explanation of vote, Hallum said New Zealand objected to paragraph one, which welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organisation's Pandemic Agreement and the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations.
"It is very important ...