Getting it Right for Children and Young People

Authors & Presenters

Robyn Hunt - Commissioner NZ Human Rights Commission, Auckland
Ms Sam McLean (supporting) NZ Human Rights Commission, Auckland
Ms Marama Davidson (supporting) NZ Human Rights Commission, Auckland

Abstract

Hook:
Children and young people have the same basic human rights as adults. They also have specific human rights that recognise their special need for protection.

Aim:
To highlight the priority actions contained within The New Zealand Action Plan for Human Rights/ Mana ki te Tangata, concerning children and young people.

Methods
Human Rights in New Zealand Today/Nga Tika Tangata o te Motu identified human rights abuses against children as one of the greatest challenges facing New Zealand. The most serious human rights abuses they experience relate to violence and poverty. Bullying, harassment and discrimination are widespread. A society that recognises and meets the basic rights of its children and young people; that acknowledges their individuality and diversity; that enables them to participate actively and fulfil their responsibilities, is building a future in which all its members are more likely to enjoy their human rights.

This paper will be a seminar style presentation relevant for families, community members, practitioners, policy makers and researchers to discuss a human rights approach to implementing actions that will build on this future.

Results
The New Zealand Action Plan for Human Rights/ Mana ki te Tangata requires that all of New Zealand consider and implement the protection and promotion of the rights of children and young people. This conference provides a clear avenue for this purpose that is likely to key engage key audiences.

Conclusions
That key audiences engage in The New Zealand Action Plan for Human Rights/ Mana ki te Tangata.

Presentation

Paper

Biographies

Robyn Hunt - Commissioner
Robyn Hunt is a part-time Commissioner who has worked as a consultant and has 20 years experience in the fields of human rights and equity issues. She will be presenting on behalf of Chief Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan. Her focus areas have been disability and Equal Employment issues. Ms Hunt was the first President of the Council of Workbridge Inc and co-chair of the Disability Strategy sector Reference Group. In addition to being part-time Commissioner, she is also a writer, trainer, coach and mentor and is director of an accessible web services company. She was made and Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to people with disabilities in 2001.

Sam McLean
Sam McLean has worked at the NZ Human Rights Commission as a policy analyst for four and a half years. Her policy role includes a specific focus on children and young people. Her work includes scrutinising bills, government and local government policies and making submissions to ensure that the rights of children and young people are protected and promoted, and that they are not discriminated against.

Marama Davidson
Marama Davidson (Ngā Puhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou) has worked at the NZ Human Rights Commission for three years. Her focus is working specifically with children and young people to raise their awareness of their own knowledge of human rights and responsibilities. She explores ways to empower young people that they may further develop their own thoughts and actions around their relevant human rights issues, with the aim of making this contribution back to their communities. Marama has worked specifically with young people who are at risk, and also in Māori and Pacific communities.

Themes

Children's Rights
Children's Voices
Child Abuse in the context of Family Violence
The Discipline and Guidance of Children