HRC encourages exchange group to sort things out with Japanese counterparts

The Human Rights Commission has encouraged a New Zealand student exchange organisation to contact their Japanese counterparts and work towards resolving an incident where a Dunedin teen was allegedly rejected because of his religion.

“We’ve been in touch with the organisers of this student exchange programme and encouraged them to engage with their counterparts in Japan to address the problems that have arisen. We also encouraged them to work with Sharif and his family to resolve this incident,” said Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy.

“Student exchanges are primarily about intercultural education and a key part of intercultural relations is to keep talking and to sort things out.”

Religious discrimination in New Zealand is unlawful under the Human Rights Act.

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