Human Rights Commission
Media Release
09 June 2006

Commission Identifies Human Rights Issues for Immigration Review

The Human Rights Commission has prepared a paper identifying the human rights issues that should be considered in the review of the Immigration Act.

Immigration legislation in New Zealand is currently undergoing a comprehensive review which provides an opportunity for human rights standards to be incorporated into policies and processes.

The paper, titled Human Rights Issues in the Review of the Immigration Act, is offered as a resource for organisations, groups and individuals who are making submissions on the review.

The Commission recognises that underlying immigration policy is a constant tension between the human rights of migrants and the largely economic reasons that guide selection. The Commission believes that human rights standards provide a tool to manage this tension in a principled and transparent manner.

Key issues identified in the report include:

- The importance of fostering harmonious relationships in an increasingly diverse society.
- Compliance with international standards.
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect at every stage of the immigration process.
- The importance of ensuring all migrants and refugee’s basic human rights are protected throughout the process, particularly women and children.

The paper is available on the Commission’s website: www.hrc.co.nz.

ENDS

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