Source: Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission is urging the new Government to keep its human rights and Te Tiriti promises which are central to the wellbeing of everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt said successive governments have made these promises over many years.
“Now it’s time for the Government to take these commitments seriously and do everything in its power to deliver for everyone.”
The Commission has highlighted a selection of these promises in Ko Ō Tika, ko Tō Reo/Your Rights, Your Voice, and urges everyone to revisit and scrutinise them with the Government set to be sworn in.
Hunt said the Commission’s call to action highlights the human rights issues that are among the most important in the everyday lives of individuals and communities throughout New Zealand.
“Human rights place responsibilities on governments. They also place responsibilities on individuals to embrace diversity, support vibrant communities and not be racist or homophobic.”
“For many years, our governments have signed up to human rights and promised to deliver. Now we need them to honour human rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”
“With a new Government being formed, it is important politicians are asked how they will keep decades-old promises,” said Hunt.
The call to action features 39 issues from all four Human Rights Commissioners, including a decent and affordable home, the minimum wage to become the living wage, more employment opportunities for disabled people, a national action plan against racism, public officials to take account of the human rights promises made by successive governments, and advancing the growing partnership between the Crown and hapū and iwi.
The Commission wishes to foster national conversations on key human rights issues, including civil, political, workers’, social and cultural rights, the right to a healthy environment, and indigenous rights, including Te Tiriti.
“The government must be asked how they will deliver human rights which are central to everyone in the country having the opportunity to reach their full potential,” he added.
Hunt said human rights belong to everyone and are based on fairness, respect, equality, freedom, wellbeing, whanaungatanga (kinship), kaitiakitanga (stewardship), community and responsibility
“The Commission is here to do all it can to help you and your whānau. We want you to enjoy a life of dignity in safe communities free from discrimination. That’s the human rights promise governments have made over many years – let’s keep them to their solemn commitments,” said Hunt.
Statements in support
Public Service Association
“We welcome today’s call by the Human Rights Commission. These are rights for all new Zealanders to uphold alongside the government providing leadership. Workers rights are human rights, and the goals and aspirations of the union movement intersect strongly with those of disabled advocates, Maori campaigners, and all those fighting for racial and gender equality,” said Kerry Davies, PSA National Secretary.
“PSA members are campaigning hard to achieve pay equity for all, regardless of gender or ethnicity. When Maori or Pasefika workers endure significantly lower wages, it pulls down wages and conditions for everyone else as well. All New Zealanders benefit from equality and pay transparency, both to improve the lives of those currently underpaid and to give every worker a strong, united starting point for improving our lives.”
“Disabled, unwell and older people are too often treated as incurring expenses to be minimised, when they should instead be seen as valuable members of our community whose care and support deserves investment. The health workers who provide this care and support are themselves undervalued, so any reforms to our health and disability system must prioritise the needs of both groups. We view them as inseparable from each other.”
“We urge all New Zealanders to take seriously this call to action by the Human Rights Commission. We all deserve to live in a country where no one is left behind, and if we act together we can make this vision a reality.”
Child Poverty Action Group
“Child Poverty Action Group welcomes all 39 calls from the Human Rights Commission; together they create an exciting vision for Aotearoa. In particular, we join the Human Rights Commission in urging the government to make sure everyone has access to a warm, dry, safe, decent home; free early childhood education; government systems that work for Māori; and a welfare system that ensures a secure and dignified life for everyone. These actions would go a long way to fulfilling our collective responsibility to our tamariki and the realisation of their rights, and would ensure the government is a champion for children and their families so they can access the resources they need to thrive,” said CPAG Executive Director Laura Bond.
Citizens Advice Bureau
“Human rights underpin the dignity and well-being of all people and are commitments NZ made and championed as a nation. These include the right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food, clothing and housing. These shouldn’t be too much to expect in a country like NZ. However every day, the CAB helps people experiencing homelessness and deprivation. We see poverty and hardship in our communities. Therefore the CAB fully supports the Human Rights Commission’s call for the new government to prioritise and deliver on the human rights commitments that successive governments have made and which are so fundamental to ensuring the well-being of everyone,“ said Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Bureau Kerry Dalton.
Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand
“Like homophobia and racism, ableism has no place in our society. Disabled people are not second class citizens; we are intersectional and we are entitled to the same rights as all citizens. As signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) the New Zealand Government has committed to upholding disabled people’s rights. We echo the HRC in urging the Government to uphold its human rights and Te Tiriti promises,“ said Chief Executive of the Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand Prudence Walker.
Community Housing Aotearoa
“Too many families in New Zealand are living in inadequate housing. Every day we see the disconnect between the idea of a right to a decent home and the reality. That’s why we strongly support the Human Rights Commission’s call for the government to uphold its human rights promises.” “A warm safe dry decent and affordable home, as well as accessible houses, transport and public places are fundamental human rights. The new government must honor its previous commitments to deliver on these rights,” said CEO of Community Housing Aotearoa Scott Figenshow
