NZ Diversity Forum 2009 Musawah workshop, Te Papa, Wellington, August 23

1. NZ Diversity Forum 2009Musawah workshop, Te Papa, Wellington, August 23 Human Rights Approach Rohan Jaduram, Kāhui Tika Tangata, NZ Human Rights Commission

2. Workshop Objectives To give participants, • An introduction to the human rights approach • A report on the Musawah movement, identifying some of the “crunchy issues”. • An opportunity to share experiences and challenges of working as advocates in the area of women’s rights.

3. Functions of the Human Rights Commission • To advocate and promote respect for, and an understanding and appreciation of, human rights in New Zealand society; and • To encourage the maintenance and development of harmonious relations between individuals and among the diverse groups in New Zealand society

4. Human rights and religious diversity • No other public agency has such a clear statutory mandate to promote the right to religion (including the right not to hold a religious belief), and to promote understanding between faiths. • SRD – The Commission has been able to provide a human rights framework for the public debate on religious diversity

5. International Context Universal Declaration of Human Rights • Signed on December 10, 1948 • 150 countries • The Universal Declaration is an historic document that sets out a common definition of human dignity and values.

6. UN Conventions • Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) • Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) • Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC)

7. A Human Rights Approach • Is both a perspective and a set of tools • Puts protection and realisation of human rights at the centre • Determines relationship between rights holders and duty bearers • Does not assume substitution of existing approaches – rather offers added value

8. Human Rights Approach • . The linking of decision-making at every level to the agreed human rights norms. • 2.Identificationof all the relevant human rights of all involved and, in the case of conflict, the balancing of the various rights to maximise respect for all rights and right-holders, prioritising those of the most vulnerable. • 3. An emphasis on the participationof all in decision-making.

9. Human Rights Approach • Accountabilityfor actions and decisions, which allows individuals and groups to express concerns about decisions that affect them adversely. • 5. Non-discriminationthrough the equal enjoyment of rights and obligations by all • 6. Empowerment of individuals and groupsby allowing them to use rights as leverage for action and to legitimise their voice in decision-making.

10. Human rights app can include…. • Advocacy • Education • Relationship building • Policy development & advice • Monitoring & evaluation • Social audits • Inquiries • And….

11. Specific publications • The Human Rights Commission published a report on Muslim Women, Dress Codes and Human Rights: An Introduction to Some of the Issues, drawing on international and local experience, including a District Court decision issued on 15 January 2005 concerning two witnesses wanting to wear a burqa in court (the report is available at www.hrc.co.nz ).

12. Specific publications • Te Korowai Whakapono - connects people and organisations with an interest or practical involvement in religious diversity issues, to keep them informed of initiatives and activities and to promote dialogue and understanding between people of different religions and beliefs and between faith communities and government.

13. Contact HRC • nzdiversity@hrc.co.nz • InfoLine Toll Free 0800 4 Your Rights (0800496877) or infoline@hrc.co.nz • www.hrc.co.nz