Get Your Pink On - Human Rights Commission

Pink Shirt Day is a powerful symbol of how to respond to bullies and bullying says Chief Human Rights Commissioner David Rutherford. It remembers a day when young people stood up against bullies in their school by wearing pink shirts. It reminds us that being brave and standing with others to stop abuse is the key to defending human dignity and rights anywhere.”

“No matter what some people would like to think, violence and bullying is found across communities and is faced by thousands of New Zealanders every day,” said Mr Rutherford.

“Violence and abuse, including bullying, particularly against women, children, disabled people and gay, lesbian, transsexual or intersex people is the most pervasive human rights abuse in New Zealand and in the world. New Zealand should lead the world in tackling this issue as it has is so many other human rights areas.”

“Bullies need an audience so the challenge is to not be a bystander, but to be brave and to take responsibility because human rights begin at home and where you work, play or learn.”

“We need to understand that each one of us is the key to stopping violence and abuse of others. Each of us can stop it when we see it. We just need to be brave and stand up. It’s up to every one of us to protect the dignity and rights of others in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities.”

ENDS

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