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

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