Global IssuesDisarmamentEnvironmentHuman RightsChildrenCountry SituationsGeneralIndigenous PeoplesOther TopicsRacial and religiousReformTreatiesUniversal Periodic ReviewWomenInternational SecurityInternational OrganisationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastNorth AmericaPacific
Find MFAT's information paper on a country or territory. (We don't have information papers on all countries.)
Although we have tried to use plain English content on the site, you may come across specialist terms and acronyms. Find out what they mean in our glossary of terms.
If you come across a term that isn't included in the Glossary please send us an email.
New Zealand’s human rights record was reviewed in Geneva on 7 May under a United Nations Human Rights Council process known as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
New Zealand presented a national human rights report to the UN Council’s Working Group so it could assess our progress towards meeting international human rights obligations. This is the first time New Zealand has participated in this new UN process.
Justice Minister Simon Power led the New Zealand delegation and delivered the opening statement.
During the three hour interactive dialogue with Minister Power, 36 countries made made statements and recommendations on New Zealand’s human rights record, which New Zealand can accept or reject.
A summary of submissions from the New Zealand Human Rights Commission and non-governmental organisations were also assessed as part of the process.
The UN Council’s Working Group adopted a final report on 11 May which made 64 recommendations for New Zealand. The Ministry of Justice is coordinating New Zealand’s response to the recommendations which will be considered at the UN Human Rights Council’s next session in September.
For further information a copy of the Working Group report containing the recommendations received is available below along with New Zealand’s statement at the time of adoption:
In June the New Zealand Cabinet considered and approved the set of responses that would be provided to the reccomendations made to New Zealand by States during New Zealand's UPR review. These responses have now been submitted to the UN and made public - a copy is available below. New Zealand's final Outcome Report, which includes the initial recommendations and the Government's response, will be formally adopted at a plenary session of the UN Human Rights Council in September this year. New Zealand, other UN member states and NGOs are able to make statements at the adoption of New Zealand's Outcome Report.
