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

3. Violence and abuse, including against women and children, the elderly and disabledpeople, and bullying in schools4. The human rights framework, including the need for constitutional entrenchment ofhuman rights and the Treaty, curbs on the power of the executive, a process toensure follow up of recommendations and declarations from United Nations andNew Zealand human rights bodies, providing for responsibilities as well as rights,and balancing the rights of different groups of rights holders (horizontal applicationof human rights)5. The continued experience of poverty by a significant number of New Zealanders,and the disproportionate effect on Maori and Pacific peoples, children and disabledpeople6. Immigration, including the situation of migrant workers, policy on familyreunification, refugees, support for settlement and integration7. Resources to support civil society as an important component of a human rightsframework, including both NGO’s and community based groups (CBO’s)It was further noted that this meeting should not be seen as satisfying the requirement forconsultation with civil society but rather as a beginning of that process. Those presentwould also like the opportunity to comment on the government’s draft report before thedeadline for their own submissions to the Office of the High Commissioner for HumanRights. Interest was also expressed in seeing the government’s response to UnitedNations treaty bodies and special procedures.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked those present for their contributions and noted thatthe nature of further consultation had yet to be determined by government.3