New Zealand's National Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report ...

28• Joanna Collinge explained that the NZHRC submission on the draft report will includethe challenges faced by the financial crisis, and the need for a commitment from thegovernment to protect the most vulnerable during these times.• Katherine Peet suggested that the report also include a section on a cleanenvironment, so that in four years time there will be a baseline to which we can referback to on this issue.4.1 Achievements and Best Practices• Jim Fraser questioned how we could say we are protecting the rights of sex workers inpara 4.1.6 when three have died on Christchurch streets and suggested deleting thereference.• Bruce Coleman noted that this was a direct quote from the Review Committee’s report,relating to employment rights and health and safety.• Richard Kay suggested that they could look at something around the safety aspect. Healso commented that MFAT may have to look to cull back the section in order toachieve better balance between achievements and challenges.4.2 Challenges and Constraints• Katherine Peet the reference to training camps given that the issue is currently beforethe courts, that they were charged with firearm, not terrorism offences, and that theseare allegations only at this stage. Karolin and Marissa Johnpillai also supported theremoval of this reference, or the need to include the work alleged to make the situationclearer.• Ciaran Fox noted that the Acts could be seen as a step backwards in terms of humanrights, particularly in light of the comments of the Solicitor General.• Tina recommended removing the word ‘Urewera’• Katherine Peet recognised that addressing the human rights challenges involved incountering terrorism was a good start, but that this should not focus on Maori.• Natalie Baird suggested including the Immigration Bill.• Richard Kay agreed that this needed including.Section Five: Key Human Rights Priorities• Karolin Potter recommended combating violence generally, rather than just womenand children.• Ciaran Fox suggested that if there is little scope to change the government’s list ofpriorities then could there be a separate section of civil society priorities instead.• Katherine Peet commented that again the focus on Maori was in relation to Treatysettlements, but could instead include take into account the different approach of thenew government, for example through the commitment to a constitutional reviewcommittee.• Natalie Baird referred to the importance of having SMART priorities: specific,measurable, achievable, reviewable and time-bound.• Joanna Collinge explained that the NZHRC submission had more detailed priorities,including access to education.