November 20, 2023
Dear Sir Geoffrey,
I wrote to you on September 15, asking for your perspective on Aotearoa/New Zealand’s involvement in the World Health Organisation's proposed amendments to international health regulations and its WHO CA+ treaty.
The WHO measures are seen as key legal instruments that will affect all its194 member states, including New Zealand.
My email was not acknowledged so I fear you didn't receive it. I am trying to send it to you again and will post it as an open letter on Substack, hoping that someone will draw your attention to it.
I do hope you will give some time now to share your expert opinion, as a December 1 deadline nears for rejection of Article 59 IHRAs.
With your background and knowledge as an academic lawyer, law professor and former Minister of Justice, your perspective is invaluable to help understand the impact these instruments may have on our country and its peoples.
During your political career, you drove reforms of the country's legal and constitutional framework, including enactment of the Constitution Act 1986, ending the right of the UK Parliament to make laws for New Zealand.
You were also responsible for reforms of the New Zealand Bill of Rights that include
The right not to be subjected to medical or scientific experimentation without consent
The right to refuse to undergo any medical treatment except in the case of involuntary commitment
Some citizens are so concerned about perceived effects of the WHO measures on national and individual autonomy that a delegation has filed formal requests with MPs, the Attorney General and the Commissioner for Human Rights.
The delegation is concerned about four treaties and accords of international significance.
If these agreements are accepted by New Zealand, will it mean we are bound without reservation to comply with and implement the significant obligations, responsibilities and costs, including the requirement to significantly review, change and implement domestic legislation in accordance with the new documents?
Will Aotearoa/NewZealand forfeit the right to make decisions as a country with respect to health emergencies?
How will they impact on the laws of New Zealand as well as the international human rights instruments to which we are party?
Will New Zealanders be subject to WHO enforced rules that may effectively restrict personal freedom of movement and autonomy?
One of the documents (Article 59 IHRAs) has already been adopted at the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly (WHA) held May 2022. It requires express rejection by New Zealand no later than December 1 2023, otherwise acceptance is by acquiesence.
Yours sincerely
Keri Molloy
Independent journalist
Phone: 0211687204
Email kerimolloy2@gmail.com
Great letter . Interesting you targeting Geoffrey Palmer. He was the most thought provoked member of parliament legally while in office snd as a practicing lawyer. Why has he ignored your letter prior? I weep.