New Zealand has also agreed international human rights conventions which protect the rights of migrant workers – although it is yet to ratify the International Convention of the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families despite international pressure to do so. This review lists human rights legislation, international conventions and other human rights instruments which can all be used to protect migrant workers and guide policy. Migrant workers and the Commission have made recommendations to better protect workers and to promote the good practice of employers that respect the human rights and dignity of their work force. Practical recommendations are provided, including recommendations from worker participants, for all stakeholders to improve and strengthen the scheme to ensure the rights of all migrant workers are upheld and protected. Key recommendations include: • • a full review of the AEWV scheme to ensure it has a strong focus on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and human rights. This is necessary to eradicate exploitation and minimise human rights risks present in the scheme untying the AEWV visa from a specific accredited employer so workers can more easily change employers if they wish • requiring and enforcing ethical recruitment standards • providing better support and effective redress for migrant workers experiencing human rights risks and violations • more and better scrutiny of and accountability for accredited employers • promoting and funding initiatives that have a proven record of protecting workers’ human rights • implementing modern slavery legislation to better protect migrant workers from human trafficking and exploitation. Respecting and protecting human rights is the responsibility of the State, and of businesses and other organisations within our communities. Ensuring our immigration settings protect and respect human rights should involve all stakeholders. They should be set with close attention to this country’s unique circumstances and human rights obligations, including those in Te Tiriti. Upholding our domestic and international obligations will make for a more prosperous community and economy where everyone’s contribution is recognised and rewarded. It will also help to uphold the reputation of Aotearoa as a fair country where all people are treated with respect for their dignity. 3