24 February 2003
PRESS RELEASE
Ethnic Communities Present Their Views On The National Plan Of Action On Human Rights
The New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils had its quarterly meeting hosted by the Christchurch Ethnic Council last
weekend.
The highlight to this meeting was the opportunity for the ethnic communities to present their views on the National Plan
of Action on Human Rights during a session led by Joris de Bres, the Race Relations Commissioner.
Key issues presented to the Commissioner included:
- Understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi amongst the various ethnic and migrant communities,
- Changes required to attitudes in New Zealand, and
- Concerns on how media interprets ethnic events and view points
This two day working meeting of representatives from the 12 member Regional Councils included assessment and endorsement
of key initiatives with the ethnic Youth of New Zealand, Race Relation and the Federation’s joint initiative with the
New Zealand Association of Citizen Advisory Bureau. These key initiatives are in line with the Federation’s strategic
direction centred on resolving and planning for issues and initiatives in integrating the rights, sensitivity, education
and languages of the ethnic and migrant populations of New Zealand.
A plenary session on issues relevant to the elderly was also held at the Christchurch Refugee and Migrant Centre as part
of this gathering. The Minister for Senior Citizens Ms. Ruth Dyson and members of Age Concern participated in this
lively session.
Lianne Dalzeil, Minister of Immigration was the chief guest at the weekend dinner. Ms. Dalzeil clarified key points of
the immigration policy.
Weng-Kei Chen
URL: www.nzfec.org.nz