64660 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Justice

64660 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Justice: What was his rational to recommend noting, rather than supporting, UN Universal Periodic Review recommendations relating to ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples’ Convention 1980 (ILO Convention 1694, and the Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 (ILO Convention 190)?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: The Universal Periodic Review recommendations that New Zealand supported are those where Government work is ongoing or is planned. For some recommendations, while we accept the spirit behind them, we cannot commit to the specifics of the proposal and, therefore, they were noted. Supporting further recommendations would depend on future decision-making according to New Zealand’s constitutional processes. Regarding the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, New Zealand has previously considered this Convention and concluded that it is not in the national interest to ratify it. However, protecting the rights of migrants and migrant workers in New Zealand is of the utmost importance. In the coming months, the New Zealand government will consider changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa and later, the Recognised Seasonal Employer visa. The rights of migrants remain a key consideration in immigration decisions. New Zealand will undertake a full review of the mix of settlement services underpinning our refugee and migrant resettlement strategies to continue our work to ensure refugees and migrants thrive in New Zealand. Regarding the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples’ Convention 1980 (ILO Convention 1694). Indigenous rights are protected through New Zealand’s existing legal and constitutional framework. There are no plans to consider ratifying this convention. The Government’s focus is on progressing ratification of other ILO Fundamental Conventions that New Zealand has not yet ratified. Regarding the Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 (ILO Convention 190) decisions on NZ’s priorities for ratification are still under Ministerial consideration.