7. KEITH LOCKE (Green) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
What is the Government’s response to the latest Amnesty International report, which criticised the New Zealand Government over the treatment of Algerian refugee Ahmed Zaoui, the police trials of Taser stun guns, and its failure to progress the Action Plan for Human Rights?
Hon MARK BURTON (Minister of Justice) Link to this
The Labour-led Government welcomes open debate about human rights issues. The matters raised in the report need to be viewed in the broad perspective of New Zealand’s strong record in promoting and protecting human rights, and the high level of human rights enjoyed throughout our country. I note that the report’s brief comment on New Zealand expressly recognises our positive actions on one of the key campaigns of Amnesty International in 2006 to stop violence against women.
Will the Minister be advising the Minister of Immigration that given the international criticism of the 4-year-plus delay in the review of Ahmed Zaoui’s status, the Minister should at least allow Mr Zaoui’s family members—UN-recognised refugees in their own right—to join him here until the review is completed; if not, why not?
If the member wishes to put a question to the Minister of Immigration he should do so. That is a matter completely outside of my ministerial responsibility.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I think it is appropriate, given the Minister of Justice is concerned with human rights, and given the international attention to Mr Zaoui, that as a Minister he can give advice to the Minister of Immigration. This is what my question asked.
Madam SPEAKERYes, but the Minister has to have ministerial responsibility. The question must be relaid. I am sure that will happen, but not now in question time.
Will the Minister be advising on human rights grounds that the Minister of Police halt the Taser trial, given the criticism of it in the Amnesty International report and the many deaths that have occurred overseas as a result of Taser use, as identified by Amnesty International?
Again, that is a trial that is primarily the responsibility of another Minister, but I am certainly advised that extensive safeguards have been put in place to ensure that Tasers do not represent a breach of human rights of New Zealanders. That programme, as the House knows—we have been informed before—will be thoroughly evaluated.
Darien FentonWhat did the reference to New Zealand in the Amnesty International report say in regard to violence against women?
As I indicated in my initial response, the report noted the very important elements of our joint task force programme of action to stop violence against women. As I said, that was a 2006 international focus for Amnesty International. It included the nationwide campaign to change attitudes to violence, changes in the justice sector to meet the needs of victims, offenders, and their families, and a review of deaths resulting from family violence to help strengthen prevention systems.
What is the Government’s time line to progress and implement the Action Plan for Human Rights, which was commissioned in 2002 and formally received in 2005; what is the hold-up a result of?
As the member knows, that is a wide-ranging document. As the acting Chief Human Rights Commissioner himself said today, there has already been useful work in policy on a number of issues. He cited section 59 of the Crimes Act, the New Zealand settlement strategy, and the UN disability convention as work we have already done that is directly related to that.
Simon PowerWhat I think is that if the member has a question he should get on his hind legs and ask it. But I tell Mr Power that the Human Rights Commission is getting an additional $7.5 million. What I think is that this Government repealed the draconian legislation in industrial relations for the good and well-being of New Zealand workers. I tell Mr Power that that is action on human rights for working New Zealanders.