Charles Chauvel
Associate Justice Spokesperson

Chauvel welcomes human rights report

Labour’s Associate Justice Spokesperson Charles Chauvel welcomes the release of the report, Human Rights in New Zealand 2010, today on Human Rights Day.

Ngā Tika Tangata o Aotearoa 2010, that updates the Commission's 2004 report and maps how well human rights are promoted, protected and implemented in New Zealand.

"The report confirms that New Zealand continues to meet and often surpasses human rights standards, which is an achievement we can all be proud of. In my role as a UN Commissioner on HIV and the Law, it's often been helpful to make explicit the link between New Zealand's strong human rights protections and favourable domestic social outcomes - in this case our record low per capita rates of HIV infection. This serves as a reminder that protecting rights is not just a good thing for individuals - all of society benefits.

“The report highlights steady improvements since 2004, but also reveals the instability of some of the gains and areas where there has been deterioration.

“The Commission has used the report to highlight 30 priority areas which focus on effectively implementing civil and political and economic, social and cultural rights. Labour will be taking these into account in our policy formation process going into the 2011 election.

“I would like to congratulate the Commission on the successful release of their report. My colleagues and I look forward to working with them towards improving Human Rights in New Zealand,” Charles Chauvel said today.

ENDS

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