Education is fundamental to the wellbeing of our children - Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission is concerned at allegations officials are trying to access information held by schools to locate and deport students’ family members.

“Education is a basic human right, the most powerful tool we can give New Zealand children no matter who they are, where they live or who their parents are,” said Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy.

“We’re concerned that requiring schools to disclose personal details may lead to children being kept away from school. Education is fundamental to the well-being and development of the child and every child should be able to enjoy their right to an education”.

In 2010, the Immigration Act was changed to enable children without legal immigration status to attend school in order to better reflect New Zealand’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Human Rights Commission and various other agencies including the Office of the Children’s Commissioner worked together to help make this happen.

Dame Susan says the Commission is is unable to speculate on the lawfulness of the alleged operations that ultimately fall under the jurisdiction of the Privacy Commissioner and other agencies, such as the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Our sole focus here is the potential impact on the well-being of the children. It could have the unintended consequence of those children not attending school for fear of the impact it will have on their family.”

“This is about the children, it is not about their parents or their family members. Education is a fundamental human right and every New Zealand child has a right to go to school,” said Dame Susan.

The Commission encouraged officials to work with families and other agencies to resolve these concerns.

ENDS

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