New Zealand’s human rights record faces review by UN Committee

GENEVA (9 March 2016) – New Zealand’s human rights record will be reviewed by the UN Human Rights Committee on 14 and 15 March in Geneva.

As one of the 168 States that have ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), New Zealand is required to undergo regular review by the Committee on how it is implementing the Covenant. The Committee, which is composed of 18 international independent members, will discuss a range of issues relating to the ICCPR with a delegation from the New Zealand Government. Members will also be briefed by NGO representatives and the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.

The Committee’s meetings with the delegation are public and will take place on 14 March from 15:00 – 18:00 (03:00 – 06:00 15 March in New Zealand) and 15 March from 10:00 – 13:00 (22:00 -01:00) at Palais Wilson in Geneva. The sessions will be webcast at www.treatybodywebcast.org.

New Zealand has submitted a report to the Committee on the implementation of its human rights obligations, and a number of non-governmental organisations have also sent reports for the Committee’s consideration. More information here: http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=1016&Lang=en

The Committee will publish its findings, officially termed concluding observations, on New Zealand and the other countries being reviewed – South Africa, Namibia, Sweden, Slovenia Costa Rica and Rwanda – on 30 March here: http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=1016&Lang=en

Our Rights, Our Freedoms, Always - #4Freedoms

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) are marking their 50th anniversary in 2016. The UN Human Rights Office is running a campaign, entitled “Our Rights, Our Freedoms, Always”, throughout the year to promote and raise awareness of the two treaties. The campaign is focussing on the timeless themes of rights and freedoms, in particular freedom from fear, freedom of speech, freedom of worship and freedom from want, and the work that continues to secure and ensure them. Check the campaign website at http://2covenants.ohchr.org

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