Human Rights Commission
Media Release
4 September 2007

Major contribution to human rights acknowledged

The Human Rights Commission acknowledged the enormous contribution made by Syd Jackson to human rights in New Zealand today.

“We deeply mourn Syd’s passing, and we have many collective and individual memories of his leadership and involvement in issues ranging from anti-apartheid, the Treaty, te reo Maori, to trade unions, health and the media,” said Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan.

“Syd worked hard over the past 40 years to ensure the Treaty, and the rights and responsibilities derived from it, stayed in public view combining strong activism and well-informed reflection to drive and support initiatives to achieve that result,” Ms Noonan said.

“His leadership in the area of indigenous rights is recognised across the Pacific and throughout the world. Human rights in New Zealand are the richer for his contribution.”

Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres said, “We mourn him as a friend as well as a champion of human rights. He was always a quietly spoken, patient and warm-hearted person who had a real empathy with people of all backgrounds. His personal qualities informed his passion for social justice.”

Syd Jackson died at his Mangere Bridge home yesterday. He had been ill with cancer.

ENDS