March 11, 2024
Tiriti focus for human rights review
Ahead of next month’s Universal Periodic Review of New Zealand by the United Nations’ Geneva-based Human Rights Council, New Zealand’s Human Rights Commission Te Kāhui Tika Tangata has held an event in Wellington with representatives from more than 30 diplomatic missions.
Commission tino rangatiratanga leader Julia Whaipooti says presenters included Māori and civil society organisations and independent human rights institutions.
Presenters shared common concerns about the rollback of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the impact on future generations.
Other issues raised included access to gender affirming healthcare, the rights of disabled children to access inclusive education, discrimination experienced by Muslim communities, child poverty reduction and the need for a human rights focus on climate change mitigation.
The submissions may contribute to recommendations from member states that come out of the review.