Against Racism Consultation (HRC)

Request for public input against racism

25 August 2021

Antisemitism = Racism

Yesterday the Human Rights Commission issued a press release, copied below, as part of “an initiative to gather Aotearoa New Zealand’s thoughts on how to address racism”.  Antisemitism is racism.  It is important to have a Jewish input.

We are asking you to do any or all of:

• Respond to the HRC directly.
• Circulate this request for input to community members individually or through email lists.
• The New Zealand Jewish Council will be making a submission but needs to know your views.  Please send your thoughts to againstracism@nzjc.nz .

Thank you for your support.

Stephen Goodman

President – New Zealand Jewish Council

PRESS RELEASE  – You can help stop racism

A unique chance to have a say on how to tackle racism 

Your voice is important, and your reflections and ideas are needed now.  

The Human Rights Commission has today begun an initiative to gather Aotearoa New Zealand’s thoughts on how to address racism.  

It has launched the website againstracism.hrc.co.nz as part of an engagement effort led by Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon, who is asking for everyone’s help.  

“We need your ideas to ensure this work reflects the vision, values and lived experiences of impacted communities, families, whānau, hapū, and iwi across the country,” he says. 

Contributions will be treated anonymously and summarised in a report which will be submitted to the government later this year. The HRC’s engagement report will also be made publicly available.   

It is expected that the government will consider this in its work on a national action plan against racism.  

“Now, more than ever, a government plan is needed to address racism against communities who experience such discrimination. It is necessary as racism will not stop of its own accord,” says Mr Foon. 

The national action plan against racism is expected to be an action-oriented document, setting out solutions and goals, and identifying the steps the government could take to promote racial equality and eliminate racism.  

It is United Nations-mandated work and comes as part of New Zealand’s obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD).  

“Now, more than ever, a government plan is needed to address racism against communities who experience such discrimination. It is necessary as racism will not stop of its own accord,” says Mr Foon. 

“We want you to help grow a national action plan against racism,” says Mr Foon. 

Queries about the Human Rights Commission’s work to support the national action plan can be emailed to againstracism@hrc.co.nz 

 ENDS 

 

Ngā manaakitanga,