Hon Judith Collins
Minister of Justice
28 January 2014 Media Statement
NZ’s human rights record presented in Geneva
Justice Minister Judith Collins appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva last night to
discuss New Zealand’s progress in promoting and protecting human rights.
“New Zealand is internationally recognised for its long-standing commitment to improving human rights and has much to be
proud of and to celebrate,” Ms Collins says.
“The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process gives New Zealand the opportunity to discuss our human rights achievements
and reflect on the challenges we must address to continue to be a world leader in this area.”
This is New Zealand’s second UPR, with the first in 2009. All 193 UN member countries are required to be examined and
report on their human rights performance every four and a half years.
In her presentation, Ms Collins outlined some of New Zealand’s achievements, including work on protecting vulnerable
children, and the challenges, such as people’s rights during the recovery from the Canterbury earthquakes.
“New Zealand will now take the time to evaluate all recommendations and feedback provided by the UNHRC member states,”
Ms Collins says.
A copy of New Zealand’s National Report and an archived webcast of New Zealand’s appearance at the Universal Periodic
Review will be available on the UPR website: http://www.upr-info.org/
ENDS