The HRLA has submitted to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee opposing the passage of the Maritime Crimes Amendment Bill.  When peaceful protest and activism are under threat, so too are human rights and civil liberties.  It is in this vein that the HRLA opposes the Bill's progression in its current form, with article 20 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and articles 21 and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in issue.

READ THE FULL SUBMISSION HERE

On 1 November 2013, the HRLA filed a submission with the Justice and Electoral Committee (“the Committee”) opposing the Public Safety (Public Protection Orders) Bill. The Bill empowers the High Court in its civil jurisdiction to issue a public protection order to detain a person...

READ FULL SUBMISSION HERE

Chairperson of the Aotearoa Human Rights Lawyers Association (HRLA) Edward Miller has expressed concerns about the process and human rights implications of the Marine Legislation Bill, which was amended yesterday and now heads toward its third reading.

READ FULL SUBMISSION HERE

The HRLA reminds the Government that it is one of very few states that have not yet taken the step of requiring foreign vessels to reflag, and therefore New Zealand has already fallen behind the times. In light of the abuses that have already taken place in New Zealand waters, the Association encourages the Government to take fast and decisive action to prevent any further harm

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The Aotearoa Human Rights Lawyers Association welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on New Zealand’s draft Eighth Periodic Report on the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

READ THE FULL SUBMISSION HERE

The Government recently released a draft report on NZ’s performance under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) for public comment. The ICCPR covers rights like freedom of religion, speech and assembly, the right to a fair trial and electoral rights. 

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

The HRLA worked with a coalition of over 20 New Zealand non-governmental and civil society organisations to prepare a report to New Zealand's second Universal Periodic Review (UPR), coordinated by the Human Rights Foundation.

On 13 September 2017, the Aotearoa New Zealand Human Rights Lawyers Association and Privacy International sent letters to the Prime Minister and Inspector-General regarding the transparency of New Zealand sharing intelligence with other nations.'

READ FULL LETTER HERE

The Aotearoa New Zealand Human Rights Lawyers Association (HRLA) has written to the Prime Minister in respect of the refugee crisis that is rapidly unfolding in Europe, and about what we believe human rights should mean for New Zealand’s annual refugee quota policy.

READ FULL LETTER HERE

The Aotearoa New Zealand Human Rights Lawyers Association (the HRLA) has written to Minister Michael Woodhouse in respect of concerns we hold about the Health and Safety Reform Bill (the Bill), which is due to have its final reading in Parliament today.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE

Yesterday, 16 April 2015, the Aotearoa New Zealand Human Rights Lawyers Association (HRLA) sent an open letter to the New Zealand Government. The HRLA urges the New Zealand Government to ensure that the NZDF’s military contribution to conflict in Iraq focuses on the protection and promotion of human rights

READ THE DISCUSSION PAPER HERE

We all love to eat, but make sure that as you celebrate World Food Day today you spare a thought today for those who don’t have enough to eat.

‘Across the world 842 million people still suffer from chronic malnutrition, including a growing number in the developed world’, said HRLA chairperson Edward Miller, ‘and the latest New Zealand food security study reported that less than 6 in 10 NZ households are food secure.’