Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand
Research released today by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) raises serious concerns about how human rights are being upheld in Aotearoa New Zealand, with new data showing the country continues to fall short in protecting people’s basic rights.
The latest data, available on the HRMI Rights Tracker, shows Aotearoa New Zealand’s scores for the rights to food and work remain in the ‘very bad’ range and have continued to deteriorate over several years. The country’s scores for the right to quality education and reproductive health have also been steadily declining.
HRMI found that Māori, disabled people and children are among those most at risk of having these rights denied, with the high cost of living and poverty identified as significant contributing factors.
Lisa Woods, Movement Building and Advocacy Director for Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, said, “No one should be struggling to access food, education or healthcare.
“These findings paint a deeply concerning picture of the state of human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Human rights aren’t optional extras. They are obligations the Government has is required to uphold, and these results show we are moving in the wrong direction.”
The report also highlights the significant barriers facing disabled people across nearly every right measured, including access to housing, education and healthcare. Human rights experts also identified disabled people as being at greater risk of torture and ill-treatment.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s score for Freedom from Torture and Ill-Treatment remains concerning at just 6.8 out of 10, with no improvement since HRMI began measuring this right nine years ago. Experts reported ongoing concerns about the treatment of people in prisons, mental health facilities and state care.
Woods said, “That our country continues to score so poorly on freedom from torture and ill-treatment should concern everyone.
“People in prison, disabled people, those receiving mental health care and children in state care must be treated with dignity. We cannot accept a situation where serious human rights concerns persist year after year without meaningful action.”
The report also found Aotearoa New Zealand’s score for the right to participate in government has declined over recent years and now sits at 7.6 out of 10. Human rights experts pointed to concerns including barriers to accessible elections and Parliament, online abuse directed at people standing for office, particularly women and people from ethnic minority communities, and the rights of Māori.
Jacqui Dillon, Executive Director of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, said, “These findings should be a wake-up call.
“When governments fail to protect people’s rights such as to food, education and healthcare, they undermine the dignity and wellbeing of communities across Aotearoa.
“We know another future is possible. By respecting Te Tiriti, investing in people’s rights and ensuring everyone can participate equally in society, we can build a country where everyone’s human rights are protected.
“Human rights make our communities stronger. The Government must act now to reverse these worrying trends and ensure everyone’s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.”