Submission on the Supplementary Order Paper to the Identity (Citizenship and Travel Documents) Bill 2004

Summary:

• Caritas objects strongly to the rushed consultation process surrounding this Supplementary Order Paper.
• Caritas recommends to the Select Committee that a longer time for submissions be allowed.
• Caritas urges that an a assessment be made of how this bill matches up with New Zealand's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• We oppose the amendment which will removal citizenship rights for children born in New Zealand whose parents are not residents or citizens.
• The changes are likely to cause sever hardship for children and families legally resident in New Zealand.
• There must be a recognition of children born in New Zealand to non-resident women where the child has been conceived through rape.
• The changes may cause some women to seek abortions.
• There is strong potential for some children to be born stateless.

Read the full submission:

Submission on the Supplementary Order Paper to the Identity (Citizenship and Travel Documents) Bill 2004.pdf