Aotearoa New Zealand has international obligations to promote human rights and eliminate racial discrimination. These include international treaties ratified by the Government and incorporated in international law. Aotearoa New Zealand must regularly report to the United Nations on the steps it is taking to meet its obligations. New Zealand’s progress on race relations assessed by CERD The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) regularly monitors how well countries are tackling racial discrimination and complying with international human rights treaties. In February 2013, it was Aotearoa New Zealand’s turn to receive a report on its progress. Summary of CERD’s comments and recommendations3 What Aotearoa New Zealand is doing well Where Aotearoa New Zealand can do better Aotearoa New Zealand is recognised as a multi-racial, multi-cultural nation that prides itself on the promotion of human rights and equal treatment for all citizens. Adopt clear plans on how to monitor and combat racial discrimination and address the problem of incitement to racial hatred and violence on the internet. Civil society is active in promoting cultural diversity and racial equality. Full consultation with Mäori communities around all decisions affecting them, including the place of the Treaty in New Zealand’s future constitutional arrangements. There are many valuable programmes and strategies that raise awareness of racial discrimination, integration and tolerance. Several Government initiatives aim to promote more equal economic and social outcomes for all New Zealanders, including in health, education and criminal justice. Significant progress has been made in settling claims of historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi. The role of Race Relations Commissioner is visible, accessible and makes a valuable contribution to the elimination of racial discrimination. CERD criticised Government proposals to modify the role, and recommended that the role of Race Relations Commissioner be retained. Reference: Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: New Zealand (Geneva: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, 2013) Available at: www2.ohchr.org/ english/bodies/cerd/docs/co/CERD-C-NZL-CO-18-20_en.pdf. Tüi Tüi Tuituiä | Race Relations in 2013 Ensure Mäori rights to land and resources, as protected by the Treaty, including rights to freshwater and geothermal resources, as well as intellectual and cultural property rights such as language, cultural heritage and traditional medicine. Increase efforts to address inequalities in outcomes for Mäori and Pacific peoples in the criminal justice system and in the fields of education, employment and health. Preserve te reo Mäori, Pacific languages and community languages. Protect Asian migrants from discrimination, particularly in employment settings. Ensure the fair treatment of asylum seekers. Adopt a national action plan on human rights, including plans on how to combat racial discrimination. 11