MAPW queries Australia's 'no' vote on Gaza Goldstone Report

Written 15/12/2009

MAPW President Dr Bill Williams has written to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs expressing concern and asking for information on Australia's recent vote at the UNⁱ against adoption of the Goldstone Report on alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza war in December-January 2008-2009.

The report's author was South African jurist Richard Goldstone, who previously led the war crimes prosecutions for Yugoslavia and Rwanda and who has a reputation for fairness and objectivity.

The report's recommendations included that both Israel and Hamas should bring to justice those responsible for war crimes, or if they fail to do so, that the alleged war crimes be referred to the International Criminal Court for possible prosecution.

Dr Williams writes: 'Given Judge Goldstone's impeccable credentials, the report's impartial attention to alleged crimes committed by both sides in the war, and its recommendations that those responsible for war crimes must be held accountable, Australia's failure to support the report is deeply disturbing.'