11 April 2012

New Zealand MPs’ commitment to universal human rights

The New Zealand delegation to the 126th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Kampala, Uganda has joined with fellow parliamentarians to urge a commitment to the safeguarding of human rights for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The delegation, led by Hon Tau Henare, has been instrumental in proposing the actions to be taken by the geopolitical Twelve Plus group, comprising 46 countries affiliated to the IPU.

The Twelve Plus group has extended its plea, writing to both the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament and the leaders of political parties, to dispense with proposed legislation that would discriminate against its homosexual citizens.

“We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow parliamentarians in fighting inequality, poverty and discrimination on any grounds, and we respectfully implore parliamentarians to extend human rights protections to all citizens”, Hon Henare said.

Hon Henare said the IPU Assembly, attended by over 1500 parliamentarians from across the world, is a significant opportunity to express concern.

The New Zealand delegation, which includes Louisa Wall MP and Jan Logie MP, has proposed an item for inclusion on the agenda of a future Assembly on sexual orientation and gender identity rights and the role of parliamentarians in affirming these rights in legislation, as the other members of the delegation.

The 126th IPU Assembly concluded on 6 April.

ENDS

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