Community Engagement Report for developing a National Action Plan Against Racism The Royal Commission made 44 recommendations in its report Ko tō tātou kāinga tēnei Report: Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019. Many recommendations relate to building and improving social cohesion in Aotearoa, which was a recurring theme raised by affected whānau, survivors and witnesses, communities, and experts throughout the inquiry.v During their engagement with Muslim communities, the Royal Commission learned of their: "frustrations with the public sector that go back many years. Muslim communities talked candidly about racism, discrimination and experiences of being suspected of being, or being treated as, terrorists as well as their fear of being the targets of hate speech, hate crime and terrorism."vi They noted that attitudes or harmful behaviours that reduce social cohesion and inclusion have particular impact for Muslim communities. vii Communities identified the importance of greater social cohesion to help people feel welcome and safe, as well as to minimise the threat of violence and terrorism. Similar messages on the need for belonging and social inclusion came through strongly in engagements with Tangata Tiriti. The Royal Commission made 15 specific recommendations to “improve social cohesion and New Zealand’s response to our increasingly diverse population”. These included: • the development of a social cohesion strategic framework with communities • appropriate measures and indicators • enhanced ethnicity data collection • creating opportunities for regular public conversations about social cohesion and the value of diversity • legislative change concerning hate speech. All of the Royal Commission’s recommendations were underpinned by four key messages that we reproduce here for their relevance to the elimination of racism: • strong government leadership and direction are required • engaged and accountable government decision-making is required • everyone in society has a role in making New Zealand safe and inclusive • New Zealand needs fit-for-purpose laws and policies.viii The Government agreed with the Royal Commission’s findings and accepted all its recommendations in principle. It established a long-term work programme coordinated by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to implement the recommendations. While some recommendations have been implemented, others – including legislative changes relating to hate speech – are yet to be realised. The National Action Plan Against Racism (the Plan) provides another forum for the Government to deliver on and realise some of the Royal Commission’s recommendations under the social cohesion theme. New Zealand Human Rights Commission 27