Universal Periodic Review 46: UK Statement on New Zealand
The UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO & UN, Simon Manley, delivered a statement at New Zealand’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council.
Thank you, Mr President - and a very warm welcome to Minister Goldsmith and his team.
Let me thank our friends and partners from New Zealand for their ongoing efforts and commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and to this UPR process.
We also welcome the government’s efforts on improving employment outcomes for groups that face disadvantages in the labour market, including through its Employment Strategy and Employment Action Plans.
We do, however, assess that more work could be undertaken to tackle social inequalities and issues such as family violence and child poverty.
We recommend that New Zealand:
1. Introduces modern slavery legislation which is inclusive of entities of all sizes with international supply chains in both the private and public sectors.
2. Develops a strategy to tackle social inequalities in areas such as health, education, housing and justice, and particularly supporting those groups with disproportionately poor outcomes.
3. Introduces pay transparency legislation and policies requiring businesses to measure, report and close pay gaps experienced by all workers, especially women, Maori, Pasifika, ethnic minorities and disabled workers.
Thank you and my best wishes for the long trip back home.