Greens welcome end to discriminatory refugee ban

The Green Party have welcomed the Immigration Minister’s announcement that the Government will drop the discriminatory ‘family link’ policy that excluded refugees in Africa and the Middle East from New Zealand’s refugee quota unless they already had family here.

“This decision gives us a principled refugee policy that puts fairness and inclusion first,” said Golriz Ghahraman, Green Party immigration spokesperson.

“I am proud to stand here with Minister Lees-Galloway today – in particular as a former refugee from the affected region, it was meaningful for me to work with the Minister in bringing about this meaningful change.”

“The Green Party were the only party to campaign on removing the restriction at the 2017 election.

“I want to thank the refugee community members, advocates and NGOs who spoke up for this policy change,” said Golriz Ghahraman.

“Many New Zealanders were outraged when Donald Trump’s Muslim ban was put in place, and even more so when they realised the National Government had quietly done something similar.

“We’re proud to be part of a Government that is demonstrating its commitment to the idea that human rights are universal – regardless of race, nationality or religion.”

“Today’s announcement sends an important signal to our refugee background communities from Africa and the Middle East – whatever their faith or ethnicity – that we welcome them and they are part of the enduring fabric of New Zealand society.

“It is a much-needed reassurance of the love and support that should always be at the heart of a welcoming Aotearoa.”

Action

Protect Nature

Volunteer

The Greens are proud to be driven by passionate people like you. Today we need your help to take action on the biggest issues facing Aotearoa. Volu...

Action

Save Auckland's Climate Budget

Sign the petition to stop Mayor Wayne Brown's proposal for dangerous cuts to climate and environmental programmes that protect us from extreme weat...

Action

No New Mines 2023

Action

Expand Voting

Now more than ever, young people in Aotearoa are impacted by Government decisions, and they deserve to have a say. We are calling on all Members of...

Action

End Intensive Winter Grazing

Sign the petition to Labour Ministers, to move faster in bringing regulations into force and end intensive winter grazing.

Action

Trains for Climate

Add your name to our open letter urging the Minister for Finance Grant Robertson to save our passenger trains between Wellington, the Wairarapa and...

Action

Healthy Oceans 2022

Join our Healthy Oceans Crew to help us keep the health and protection of our oceans high on the Labour Government’s political agenda.

Action

It's time: A Ministry for Rainbow Communities

Join our call asking the Prime Minister to establish a Ministry for Rainbow Communities that can champion Rainbow issues.

Action

No new mines on conservation land

Sign the open letter asking Labour Ministers to stick to their promise of banning new mining projects on conservation land.

Action

Allow community ownership of our buses

Public transport is an essential service and helps to tackle the climate crisis by reducing our carbon emissions. But there are barriers to communi...

Action

Local Events

We have activists across Aotearoa / New Zealand who are working hard to build a brighter future for our kids and grandkids. This page lists upcomin...

Latest Human Rights Announcements

Story

Green MPs sponsor Iranian protests at risk of execution

Green Party MPs have joined politicians from across Europe to sponsor political prisoners detained in Iran during the recent protests - and urges M...

Disability assist dogs now protected in law

The Green Party has changed the law to ensure people do not face discrimination for having a disability assist dog.

Greens call for government to implement all recommendations of Casey report into detention of asylum seekers

An independent review of New Zealand’s detention regime for asylum seekers has found arbitrary and abusive practices in Aotearoa’s immigration law,...

HRC housing inquiry confirms need for rental WOF

The Human Rights Commission inquiry into housing quality confirms what the Green Party has been calling for - a rental Warrant of Fitness and a reg...

Manus and Nauru Refugee resettlement welcome, but more to do

The Green Party welcomes the long overdue deal to resettle 150 refugees held unlawfully in Australia’s prison islands here in Aotearoa - but says t...

Greens celebrate historic day for Rainbow communities

The Greens are celebrating conversion practices finally being banned in Aotearoa New Zealand, following the third reading of the Conversion Practic...

Story

Greens join call to create special visa for Palestinians

The Green Party stands with more than 30 organisations in urging the Government to urgently set up a special visa pathway for Palestinians.

Migrant worker changes fall short

The Green Party welcomes the Government’s decision to accept the recommendations of the review into the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) but ca...

Only the Greens will deliver a fair amnesty for overstayers

The Green Party is today welcoming Labour coming to the table to ensure an amnesty for overstayers, but only the Greens will ensure immigration set...

Govt changes fall short of what’s needed for migrant protection

The Green Party will keep up the fight to support exploited migrant workers, including pushing to end single employer visas, after the government p...

Government must ban dawn raids and grant amnesty

The Green Party is calling on the Government to follow up words with actions, and ban the practice of dawn raids and provide an amnesty to all over...

Concerns as people most likely to be exploited are left out of pathways to residency

The Green Party is urging the Government to fix the immigration system to ensure that low-waged, and often essential workers, are guaranteed a path...