HUMAN RIGHTS IN NEW ZEALAND 20 1 0 We will pursue a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms. Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Preamble (edited) since 2004 Since 2004, the Commission – in partnership with other organisations – has established a framework for addressing race relations issues. This comprises: Introduction Tïmatatanga What are the human rights issues in race relations? Harmonious race relations depend on the equal enjoyment of human rights by all, regardless of ethnic or national origins or skin colour. The New Zealand Statement on Race Relations identifies 10 factors that form a framework for harmonious race relations: • the Treaty of Waitangi • freedom from discrimination • freedom of expression • safety • participation in public affairs • decent work, education, health and housing, and an adequate standard of living • recognition of the rights of migrants • education for diversity • the right to cultural identity (including language) • responsibilities to Human Rights Commission initiatives others.1 What are harmonious race relations? ‘Harmonious race relations’ refers to the ways in which peoples who are ethnically diverse positively interact with one another. Such positive interaction is based on mutual respect for, and realisation of, each other’s rights, non-discrimination, and the recognition of and support for cultural diversity. Developing harmonious race relations also depends on eliminating racism. Racism uses biological differences – whether imagined or real – to assert the superiority of one group over another to justify aggression or privilege. Racism is any individual action, or • the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme, bringing together organisations with a shared commitment to action on cultural diversity, with networks for media, religious diversity, language policy and refugee issues • the annual New Zealand Diversity Forum, where existing and new diversity initiatives can be discussed and diversity networks can meet • a system for acknowledging positive contributions to race relations on a monthly and annual basis (the New Zealand Diversity Awards) • observance of a national day (Race Relations Day) to promote community celebration of cultural diversity and discussion of race relations, and a calendar of ‘diversity dates’ • key partnerships to promote Mäori Language Week and Samoan Language Week to the wider community • publication of national policy statements on language diversity, religious diversity and race relations • an annual race relations report as a basis for identifying key issues and accounting to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination • a relationship with this UN committee and a mechanism for feeding into and following up on its recommendations. institutional practice backed by institutional power, which subordinates or negatively affects people because of their ethnicity. 1 This summary of rights and responsibilities is drawn from the Human Rights Commission’s Statement on Race Relations. Accessible online at http://www.hrc.co.nz/home/hrc/racerelations/tengirathenzdiversityactionprogramme/statementonracerelations.php The senior kapa haka group of Titirangi Primary school readies for the stage at the West Auckland Primary Schools Multicultural Festival 2010 at Corban Estate Arts Centre, Henderson. About 3500 children from 36 primary schools performed. 57