HUMA N R IGH TS IN NEW Z EALA ND 20 1 0 challenge of the Treaty of Waitangi now and in the future. Human Rights in New Zealand 2010 confirms that New Zealand continues to meet and often surpasses humanrights standards in many respects. It highlights steady improvements since 2004, but also reveals the fragility of some of the gains and areas where there has been deterioration. It makes clear that there is no room for complacency and that New Zealand continues to face serious human-rights challenges. These are challenges The thirty priority areas focus on strengthening New Zealand’s constitutional and legal framework; tackling entrenched inequalities and systemic structural discrimination; and more explicitly and effectively implementing civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. The 30 priority areas highlight what needs to be done to better protect groups of people who are particularly vulnerable to human-rights abuses, or subject to structural discrimination. that can be met where there is political will and strong In selecting the areas for action the Commission recog- civil-society commitment and engagement. nised that while the State is primarily responsible for ensuring that human rights are promoted, protected and Priority areas for action fulfilled, it does not have the sole responsibility. Respon- The Commission has selected thirty priority areas – from sibility to respect human rights extends beyond central over a hundred identified by the research and public government – to regional and local government, to the consultation process undertaken in preparing Human business and community sectors, to voluntary groups Rights in New Zealand 2010. In these 30 areas, further and organisations. The report highlights the critical role action is essential over the next five years to strengthen individuals, community groups and other civil society human-rights protections and better ensure the dignity, organisations play in creating an environment of respect equality and security of everyone in New Zealand. for human rights and harmonious race relations. Thirty priority areas for action on human rights in New Zealand: SECTION TWO – CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS Democratic Rights Representation 8 Increasing the representation of Mäori, Pacific and other ethnic groups in local government Right to Justice Evidence from vulnerable people 9 Developing more appropriate methods for taking and recording of evidence from vulnerable victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings Life, Liberty and Programme of Security of Person action Freedom of Opinion and Expression Freedom of Religion and Belief 10 Implementing in partnership with civil society a comprehensive strategy and programme of action to address the drivers of crime Section 61, Human Rights Act 1993 11 Reviewing section 61 of the Human Rights Act to ensure it fulfils its legislative purpose Human rights and the Internet 12 Promoting debate about access to the internet as a human right and a Charter of Internet Rights Guidelines 13 Developing guidelines for respecting diversity of religion and belief in specific contexts 7