Preliminary statement by the UN Special Rapporteur on New Zealand

Written on 06 August 2010. Posted in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

James Anaya, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, carried out a country visit to New Zealand from 19-23 July 2010. During his visit the SR assessed the situation of the Maori people, in follow up to the 2005 visit by his predecessor, Rodolfo Stavenhagen.

In his preliminary statement, the Special Rapporteur notes that, while some advancements have been made since his predecessor’s visit, including proposed repeals to the Foreshore and Seabed Act and continued treaty settlements to address Maori grievances within the framework of the Treaty of Waitaingi, continued efforts need to be made in this regard, in consultation with the Maori people. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur emphasizes that the principles enshrined in the Treaty of Waitangi and related internationally-protected human rights must be provided with constitutional security.

Tags: Global governance