B Disproportionate representation of Māori in the Criminal Justice System LOIPR In the light of the concluding observations of the Committee (CCPR/C/NZL/CO/5, para. 12) and the follow-up responses of the State party (CCPR/C/NZL/CO/5/Add.1, paras. 2– 45 and CCPR/C/NZL/CO/5/Add.2, paras. 3–6), please provide an update on the achievements made following the various initiatives taken aimed at reducing the disproportionately high incarceration rate of Māori, in particular women. Please provide information on improvements made to address the underlying social causes and concerns regarding discrimination in the administration of justice that are responsible for the high proportion of Māori among accused persons as well as among victims of crimes. (Para 21) 195 In 2015, 15 percent of New Zealand’s population identified with the Māori ethnic group. 97 Among children (under 15 years), the share is higher, at 26 percent. Among people aged 65+ years, the share is lower, at 6 percent. Projections indicate that the Māori ethnic group is likely to increase its share of the total population at all ages, reflecting higher growth rates on average, driven by high Māori birth rates and the younger Māori age structure. Depending on future trends in birth rates, the Māori population could account for nearly 20 percent of New Zealand’s population in 2038, and nearly one-third of New Zealand’s children. 98 196 While Māori make up only 15% of New Zealand's population, they account for a disproportionate amount of those coming into contact with the criminal justice system - both as victims and offenders. Rates of victimisation across most offence types - particularly violent offences - are significantly higher for Māori. Māori are also over-represented at the other end of the criminal justice spectrum; in New Zealand's arrests, prosecutions, convictions, imprisonments and re-imprisonments.99 197 At every stage in the criminal justice process, the outcomes for Māori are generally more severe than they non Māori. Māori are less likely to receive diversion or cautions and are more likely to be sentenced to prison. Although New Zealand's imprisonment rate is 199 people per 100,000, the rate for Māori is closer to 700 per 100,000. Māori make up over 50% of New Zealand's prison population and over 60% of its female prison population.100 97 http://www.stats.govt.nz/maori Ibid. 99 http://www.rethinking.org.nz/Default.aspx?page=3629 98 100 Ibid. Page 53 of 93 Human Rights Commission submission to the Human Rights Committee in relation to New Zealand’s 6th periodic review under the ICCPR