The right to health, to justice, to work, to education, to be free from discrimination: these rights belong to all of us. New Zealand has signed international agreements to uphold these rights, but how well are we actually doing?

The Universal Periodic Review is an important opportunity for individuals, NGOs and civil society organisations to share their experience and views on New Zealand’s realisation of human rights for everyone. What people and communities say can influence future developments. It isn’t just about writing reports. Communities will be consulted on what’s important for them. UPR 13/14 is an opportunity to work with other like minded groups, and to lobby the Government to make voluntary commitments and/or accept recommendations made by the working group following the UPR 13/14 process.

The Commission is offering free workshops to support civil society in UPR 13/14. In addition there will be opportunities to engage in discussions with government officials in April/May and subsequently to comment on the draft New Zealand government report. The Commission would also welcome the opportunity to discuss key issues with community groups and individuals to feed into the UPR 13/14 process.

The workshop dates and times for 2013 are:

• Auckland          26 March (1.30 – 4.30pm) Auckland Law School
• Wellington        4 April (1.30-4.30)
• Christchurch      11 April (1.30-4.30)
• Dunedin           16 April (1.30-4.30)
• Hamilton          7 May (1.30-4.30)
• Invercargill      9 May (Time TBC)

Please contact Michael White on michaelw@hrc.co.nz if:

• You wish to attend one of the Commission’s workshops;
• Would like to receive further emails about how to be involved in the UPR process;
• If you or your organization are hosting an event where the Commission could talk about UPR 13/14; or
• You would like the Commission to assist with facilitating co-ordinated engagement from your sector.

In the meantime for more information on UPR 13/14 and how you can get involved see: http://www.hrc.co.nz/international-human-rights-new/faqs-for-upr-1314

The Commission looks forward to working with you around UPR 13/14 to ensure the full and active engagement of civil society organisations across the country, helping to garner actual positive changes on the ground.