Project Complains To Human Rights Commission Against Private Sponsorship Of Under 25 Scheme

The Yellow Triangle Prevention Project has lodged another formal complaint to the Human Rights Commission about private sponsorship of the controversial Under 25 Scheme. The Project has formally complained against the Timaru Police, Vehicle Testing NZ Ltd and Lions Club of Timaru Suburban for supporting and sponsoring the Under 25 Scheme.

The basis for the Project's complaint is the discrimination that occurs towards young people and the fact that private companies, community groups and individuals are not exempt from the Human Rights Act (unlike the Government which is until the year 2002). The Project believes that scheme redirects car theft towards those under 25 rather than stopping it because young people cannot fairly participate in the Scheme. It believes that the Under 25 Scheme affords protection to one part of society at the expense of another and that this is unfair.

Yani Johanson, Project Coordinator:

"While it is important that society combats car theft, it must do so in a way which is fair for everyone, both old and young. There is no formal evidence to show that the Under 25 Scheme has been successful in reducing car theft. The police have admitted to no formal evaluation of the Scheme in Christchurch. Anyone who thinks a yellow sticker stops people from stealing cars is seriously misguided. All the Under 25 Scheme does is redirect car theft towards those who cannot participate fairly in the Scheme such as young people."

"The Crown Law advice on the Under 25 Scheme advised that the Government is currently exempt from the Human Rights Act. That exemption does not apply to private companies, community groups or individuals. As such the Lions Club of Timaru Suburban and Vehicle Testing NZ were foolish to sponsor and support the Under 25 Scheme which is currently being investigated by the Human Rights Commission as to whether or not it discriminates. They now risk having breached the Human Rights Act and may suffer the consequences as a result."

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