Wednesday 26 May 2004

Public meetings in the four main centres

“creating and sustaining a world-leading human rights environment”?

Amnesty International is organising meetings in the four main centres next week to provide the New Zealand public with the opportunity to examine the treatment of Algerian refugee Ahmed Zaoui in the light of a warning by the UN Committee against Torture that New Zealand was in danger of breaching its international human rights obligations.

Last week’s report from the UN Committee against Torture, which called on the government to immediately review the ‘security risk certificate’ process under which Ahmed Zaoui is held, is an illustration of the growing international scrutiny of New Zealand’s treatment of the Algerian refugee.

Denial of due process in Ahmed Zaoui’s case not only has implications for the life and security of Mr Zaoui and his family, but also defines what type of stand New Zealand will take in the “war against terrorism.”

What is the right balance between the right to “national security” and the human rights of the individual? Who decides and how?

The public meetings will provide an opportunity for concerned New Zealanders to discuss these critical issues, and put questions to Ced Simpson (AINZ Executive Director) and Deborah Manning (Ahmed Zaoui’s legal counsel). Mr. Simpson and Mrs. Manning will be available for media interviews throughout the week.

Meeting details

Auckland Aotea Chapel, Auckland Methodist Mission, 370 Queen Street

31 May 6:30pm

Margaret Taylor, margaret.taylor@amnesty.org.nz, 09-303 4519 or 021 165 1834

Dunedin Burns Hall, First Church, 415 Moray Street

1 June 7:30pm

Nicola Mutch, nicola.mutch@amnesty.org.nz, 021 032 8149

Christchurch Great Hall, The Arts Centre, access from Rolleston Ave 2 June 6:30pm

Daniel Furner, daniel.furner@amnesty.org.nz, 04-499 3349 or 021 253 8153

Wellington St Johns in the City, Cnr Willis and Dixon Streets 3 June 6:00pm
Daniel Furner, daniel.furner@amnesty.org.nz, 04-499 3349 or 021 253 8153

ENDS

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