Human Rights
After World War Two New Zealand led the world in advocating for international human rights at the UN. New Zealand not only pushed for political and civil rights but also economic, social and cultural rights.
Nearly sixty years later the basic human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human rights are under attack in the so-called “war on terror”. And this time the New Zealand Government is on the wrong side. On these pages you can find some of the ways that the Greens are defending our human rights against this assault.
Read our human rights policy
What's New
Speech to the Close Waihopai rally in Blenheim on 23 January 2010
Speech to the Close Waihopai rally in Blenheim on 23 January 2010
Keith Locke MP
23rd January, 2010
Crimes (Provocation Repeal) Amendment Bill - Kevin Hague's third reading speech
"This bill removes one of the most loathsome provisions that stand in all of New Zealand law. It is a shameful piece of law and it is a credit to this House that we stand tonight in its repeal".
CHOGM must address human rights - Greens
New Zealand must use the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting to put pressure on Sri Lanka over its shameful human rights record, the Green Party’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Keith Locke said today.
The future of civil liberties in New Zealand: Speech at the AGM of the NZ Council for Civil Liberties
Keith discusses the erosion of civil liberties in recent legislation.
Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth - Keith Locke's letter to John Key
Keith Locke's letter to John Key, urging him to engage with the issue of the human rights crisis in Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on 27 to 29 November 2009 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Government clearly boycotting Dalai Lama visit
The Government is clearly embarrassed about its ‘unofficial’ boycott of the Dalai Lama when he visits New Zealand next month, said Green Party MP Keith Locke today.
The Dalai Lama's visit to New Zealand
Keith Locke questions the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade on why no Minister will meet the Dalai Lama during his visit to New Zealand next month.
Sri Lankan asylum seekers and the New Zealand response
Keith Locke's General Debate speech on his proposal that New Zealand accept some of the 78 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees on the ship Oceanic Viking, who sought to enter Australia.
Bill would benefit our economy and world climate
A Bill regulating the import of illegal and unsustainable tropical timber will have its first reading in Parliament today. It could benefit New Zealand forestry to the tune of $270 million per year as well as help save the rainforests, and the Government should support it, Green MP Catherine Delahunty said.
Keith Locke's thoughts on an amazing human rights defender
Green Party MP Keith Locke explains what it meant for him to have hosted Uighur human rights activist Rebiya Kadeer. Keith points out that- more often than not - the media in New Zealand are only interested in reporting about free trade agreements with China and ignore the human rights problems that exist in that country.
The rights of those in Sri Lanka IDP camps - Keith Locke's written questions to the Minister
Keith Locke questions the Minister of what the government is doing to support the rights of people in Sri Lanka's IDP camps.
Assurance for parents welcomed
Green Party MP Sue Bradford congratulated Prime Minister John Key on his decision this afternoon to stick to his principles on the section 59 reform, despite pressure from those who wish to relegalise assault on children.
Referendum result inconclusive
Green Party MP Sue Bradford said it is hard to draw any conclusions from tonight’s physical discipline referendum results based on such a flawed question.
Keith Locke questions the government on its support of women's rights in Afghanistan
5. KEITH LOCKE (Green) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Has he received any advice on whether a law curtailing women’s rights in Afghanistan has been “brought into line with the expectations of the international community” as he was promised by Hamid Karzai; if so, what was that advice?
Come clean on your welfare intentions Minister
The Green Party today urged the Government to come clean on its full plans for benefit reform.
Bradford questions Bennett’s real agenda
Paula Bennett’s latest moves on benefits indicate National may be softening up New Zealand for cutbacks on benefit amounts and access, Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Sue Bradford said today.
Kwila:Life & Death in West Papua
West Papuan activist Paula Makabory visits New Zealand to highlight the devastating effects of illegal timber logging. Indonesian security forces are complicit in the illegal trade and human rights violations are commonplace. Green MP Catherine Delahunty has a Member's Bill before Parliament that would go some small way towards addressing the problem of illegal timber imports into New Zealand.
Keith Locke's speech against the Search and Surveillance Bill on its first reading
Keith Locke's speech at the first reading of the Search and Surveillance Bill.
Catherine Delahunty questions the Government about the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
To the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Why has he not recognised the collective rights of Maori as affirmed by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples?
Keith Locke MP's speech on the Customs and Excise (Prohibition of Imports Made by Slave Labour) Amendment Bill — First Reading.
Keith Locke's speech in support of the bill.
Human Rights Links
Human Rights Links
Amnesty International is a global, independent movement of people contributing to the promotion of human rights and international campaigning against some of the most serious violations.
Amnesty International New Zealand Amnesty International's New Zealand site.
Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. They stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice.
Suggest or comment on a link. Email: webmaster [at] greens [dot] org [dot] nz
