Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Statement from Chair of the Justice and Electoral Committee
Statement from the Chair of the Justice and Electoral
Committee, Jacqui Dean MP
Chair of the Justice and
Electoral Committee
For immediate release – 7 July 2016
International treaty examination of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international treaty that is being considered by a Parliamentary select committee.
The Optional Protocol is a side-agreement to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which New Zealand ratified in September 2008.
The Optional Protocol establishes an individual complaints mechanism for the Convention. It allows the Committee on the Rights of persons with Disabilities (the Committee) to consider complaints from individuals or groups who claim their rights under the Convention have been violated. The Committee can then investigate the complaint and make non-binding recommendations to the New Zealand Government. Although the Committee’s recommendations are not binding, they hold considerable moral force.
Parliament’s Justice and Electoral Committee is now accepting public submissions on the international treaty examination. Committee chairperson, Jacqui Dean MP, said that “Acceding to the Optional Protocol would reinforce New Zealand’s strong commitment to human rights and ensure that complaints are heard and considered accordingly. We’re looking forward to hearing what New Zealanders think about the treaty and what affect the Optional Protocol will have on them.”
Submissions to the Justice and Electoral Committee are due by midnight on 9 August 2016.
END
To find out more about the international treaty examination of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities visit:
• Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
See how to make a submission:
• Parliament website - make a submission on the international treaty examination of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
What happens next?
ends
Gordon Campbell: On The Hikoi Aftermath
Stats NZ: National Population Estimates: At 30 September 2024 (2018-base)
NZ Government: New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Surf Life Saving NZ: Volunteer Lifeguards Make Big Effort To Keep Us Safe, As Paid Lifeguard Service Commences In Northern Region
Action Station: Biggest Ever Community Petition, With Over 200,000 Signatures, Opposes Treaty Principles Bill
Palestinians for Hīkoi mō te Tiriti: Statement From Palestinian Leaders - Hīkoi Mō Te Tiriti Is A Historic Moment For All In Aotearoa
Anglican Church in Aotearoa: Anglican Archbishops To Join Hīkoi Mō Te Tiriti In Wellington
