Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights in New Zealand 2008

Summary

• Caritas considers the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 to be discrimantory. We believe that New Zealand should sign and implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Caritas is concerned by recent legislation which has eroded natural justice and the right to a fair hearing.
• While there have been recent positive developments in children's employment, Caritas is concerned that current laws do not provide adequate protection for working children.
• Caritas is concerned about the effects of the recent change to remove citizenship rights from children born in New Zealand to non-citizens.
• Caritas wishes New Zealand to play an active role in protecting workers' rights, both in New Zealand through protecting holidays and overseas through its trade agreements.
• Caritas is concerned about public disregard for the welfare of prisoners, and by recent legislation allowing prisoners to be held past heir release dates in civil emergencies.
• While there has been a small improvement in reported inequality, help is not reaching many of those in greatest need.

See also the 2009 submission on the government's draft UPR report.

Read the full submission:

Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights in New Zealand 2008.pdf