Human Rights Commission
Media release
1 April, 2009

New Zealand loses opportunity to champion human rights

The Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan has warmly welcomed the decision of the United States to re-engage with the United Nations Human Rights Council, while expressing deep disappointment at the withdrawal of New Zealand’s bid for a seat on the Council.

Ms Noonan said, “The Government says it has withdrawn to make way for the United States. In fact New Zealand had won widespread support for its candidacy and I have no doubt that with the United States decision to run, both countries would have been comfortably elected.”

The establishment of the Human Rights Council in 2006 reflected growing recognition that human rights are integral to security, peace and sustainable economic development. The United Nations needed a credible human rights body. New Zealand actively supported the Council’s establishment and could as a member have made a further contribution to strengthening it effectiveness.

Ms Noonan said she supported New Zealand’s membership of the Human Rights Council because it would have meant an increased focus on New Zealand’s domestic human rights performance. In addition, she said, in her observation and experience New Zealand brought to the international arena a consistent and principled but practical approach to human rights internationally which gave it an ability at times to bridge the Western approach and that of others. For example over recent years New Zealand has encouraged constructive dialogue on religious and cultural differences.

If elected New Zealand would have been the first Pacific region nation on the Human Rights Council and could have provided a voice and presence for Pacific nations facing the issues of climate change, environmental degradation and economic inequality.

Ms Noonan expressed concern that that the withdrawal of New Zealand’s candidacy will be interpreted as a lessening of New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening human rights internationally.

The Human Rights Council has a limit of 47 members, elected from geographic groupings for three year terms.

ENDS

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