KELLY DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE SHUT OUT OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION

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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 is important to a healthy thriving society.

With the creep of authoritarian practices globally, the limiting or elimination of public participation in government process is an ominous signal. The restriction of public participation may be imposed under the need for ‘urgency’ to enable the passing of unpopular or potentially undemocratic legislation.

Most recently in Aotearoa, ‘urgency’ has been used to justify law changes without normal public input. 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. This includes actions by Government showing a disregard for a fundamental part of our constitutional make-up – Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 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.

We must seriously question what path this is all leading us down and take a stand for the kind of society we want - one that’s based on respect, dignity and equity.

Amnesty International regards participation in decision-making to be a basic human right. When our systems are designed so we can all make a meaningful contribution, we can all benefit in so many ways, including more well-rounded and informed decision-making, stronger communities and feelings of belonging and connection.

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What we’re doing:

  • Advocacy and Campaigning: Along with Amnesty 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 e.g. check out the right to protest campaign. We’re also campaigning to make spaces like social media safer by design. These spaces can empower communities and society. It has a huge role in democratising the way we have a say, share and find information. But, what we also know is that there are online platforms causing significant harm. There are numerous examples of how what’s happening online has contributed to real world violence and hate. But, it doesn't have to be this way. We can help to transform social media into a positive force in all of our lives. Check out our campaign here.

Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand is part of a 10 million-strong global movement of people who stand for universal access to fairness, justice, dignity, expression and inclusion - our essential civil rights. Standing together, our shared humanity holds the power to create change.