Nearly 10,000 New Zealanders sign petition condemning Russia's war on Ukraine

2:51 pm on 28 April 2022

Amnesty International has handed the Russian Embassy a petition of nearly 10,000 signatures condemning the war on Ukraine.

Amnesty International and protestors hand over a petition of almost 10'000 signatures to the Russian Embassy against their invasion of Ukraine

Amnesty International and protesters hand over a petition to the Russian Embassy. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

The petition is calling on the Russian government to respect international law, protect civilians and stop its aggression.

Amnesty International campaigns director Lisa Woods said "New Zealanders have made their voices loud and clear".

More than 9622 signatures have been added from around the country.

Around two dozen people gathered outside the Russian Embassy yesterday afternoon to present the petition, many wearing the colours of Ukraine.

Woods said Russia's aggression was a crime under international law and human rights had been violated.

"Amnesty International has researchers on the ground who have documented strikes on hospitals and schools, the use of indiscriminate weapons like ballistic missiles and banned weapons like cluster bomb," Woods said.

"We have seen time and again the power that millions of people around the world taking action together can have. We are showing Russian decision-makers the scale of opposition to their actions."