By Nick Trubridge on Stuff…

New Zealand’s Chief Human Rights Commissioner has called out a “Genocide Hotline” advertised by activist John Minto, saying it is “potentially harmful” and “must end”.

The commissioner, Dr Stephen Rainbow, said although the promotion may not be unlawful, he saw it as “potentially harmful to Israeli and Jewish people in Aotearoa New Zealand”.

“This sort of action has the risk of a ripple effect which may cause harm in the community,” he said.

“We call on those behind the hotline to close it down and cease promotion immediately.”

Minto earlier responded to the New Zealand Jewish Council’s call for the hotline to be investigated by police by saying the council should also be telling Israeli soldiers “they’re not welcome here”.

The back-and-forth started after Minto last week posted a Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) leaflet, advertising a “Genocide Hotline” people could call if they came across IDF soldiers or Israeli reservists. Israeli soldiers are holidaying in New Zealand, the poster said.

Read the full story on Stuff here. And watch the Three News / Stuff report – ‘Racist’ hotline slammed for asking Kiwis to dob in Israeli soldiers on holiday in NZ – here.