Everyone has the right to participate in public affairs
Basic civic rights include the right for citizens to participate in public affairs and government both directly and through elected representatives. Meaningful participation helps to ensure decision-makers are answerable for their actions and that proposed policies have the diverse input needed to be effective.
With the creep of authoritarian practices globally, the limiting or elimination of public participation and accountability in government process is an ominous signal.
Most recently in Aotearoa, "urgency" has been used to justify law changes resulting in less participation and scrutiny of Government action. This was the case for amending the Equal Pay Act, which despite this being a hugely significant law change was passed under urgency.
This is part of a broader concerning context that includes actions by Government showing a disregard for Te Tiriti o Waitangi – a fundamental part of our constitutional make-up. Many communities are facing deeply disturbing attacks. We’re seeing accountability and transparency challenged through not just the use of urgency by successive Governments but also in areas such as the operation of the Official Information Act.
Amnesty International believes we must question what path this is leading us down and stand up for the type of society we believe in.
What we’re doing:
- Advocacy and Campaigning: along with Amnesty International globally, here in Aotearoa we’re challenging trends where we see democratic backsliding, for example see commentary here and here. This includes campaigning to resist limitations on your ability to have a say such as the right to protest campaign. We’re also campaigning to make spaces like social media safer by design.