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disparities included a gender analysis tool to help the Government consider inequities when
formulating policies.
524. New Zealand accepted all recommendations related to sexual and gender-based
violence. New Zealand recognised that it had unacceptably high levels of family violence
which was one of the country’s most serious social and human rights issues. A National
Strategy and Action Plan was being developed. A new Family Violence Act 2018 provided
a modern framework to better prevent, identify, and respond to family violence.
525. All recommendations related to children had also been accepted. The first Child and
Youth Wellbeing Strategy would be published in 2019 and was intended to help protect
children’s rights.
526. A five-year transformation programme would build a more child-centred State care
system. A Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State care, and in care in
faith-based institutions, was investigating the abuse of children and vulnerable adults.
527. New Zealand had accepted almost all recommendations related to equality and nondiscrimination. New Zealand was proud to be a multicultural society that was committed to
eliminating any discriminatory practices. The Christchurch terror attacks had further
highlighted the importance of inclusion in society.
528. New Zealand had a strong legal framework to address discrimination.
Discrimination was unlawful under the Human Rights Act. Avenues available for redress of
discriminatory actions included the Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights
Review Tribunal, and the Courts.
529. The Government was currently undertaking measures to protect rights to equality
and non-discrimination. This included reviewing existing protections against hate speech
and considering amending the Human Rights Act to include gender identity as a prohibited
ground of discrimination.
530. Concerning indigenous rights, the delegation recalled that under the 1840 Te Tiriti o
Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), the Government had an active duty to protect the
interests of Māori in their lands and taonga (their treasured possessions, including language
and culture).
531. New Zealand had accepted all recommendations in relation to indigenous rights and
was continuing to focus on reducing disparities for Māori. The Government had established
a new agency called the Office for Māori Crown Relations - Te Arawhiti. This new agency
was tasked with completing historical settlements due to past Treaty breaches by the Crown
and ensuring their durability.
532. New Zealand also had a dedicated Māori housing unit to improve housing
opportunities. The Māori Language in Education Strategy would strengthen the protection
of te reo Māori (the Māori language).
533. New Zealand acknowledged that serious issues existed within the criminal justice
system and was committed to creating a more effective system. Most recommendations that
related to criminal justice had been accepted. This year, the Government had launched
Hāpaitia te Oranga Tangata: The Safe and Effective Justice programme to reform the
criminal justice system. The programme included improving the justice system, reassessing
the balance between rehabilitation and punishment, early prevention, and strong
partnerships with Māori.
534. New Zealand would also consider whether the current minimum age of criminal
responsibility of ten years should be increased.
88
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