Human Rights Commission welcomes Government initiatives to address family violence

The Human Rights Commission has welcomed Government initiatives to address family violence made this week.

“Family violence remains the greatest human rights issue facing New Zealanders,” says EEO Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue.

“All of us, no matter who we are or where we live deserve a life that is free from violence. This is a basic human right all New Zealanders ought to have and one we are all responsible for.”

The Commission supports the whole of Government approach and a “focus on prevention and strengthening families” is crucial. Over the next year the Commission will work alongside Government and NGOs to develop a national plan of action.

“Our National Plan of Action will include key indicators that can be measured and tracked to assess progress in the violence and abuse area ,” said Dr Blue.

‘At the recent review of New Zealand’s human rights record before the United Nations Human Rights Council the government accepted recommendations to put in place a national strategy to combat domestic violence and child abuse. In its response the government noted it is developing plans to address targeted areas of violence against women and children.”

The Commission will be working towards working with the government and civil society to include a national strategy to combat domestic violence and child abuse in the National Plan of Action for Human Rights.

ENDS

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