NZFVC Quick Reads: 30 August 2024

NZFVC Quick Reads: 30 August 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Public consultation for the review of the End of Life Choice Act 2019

Manatū Hauora | The Ministry of Health is currently undertaking a review of the End of Life Choice Act 2019 (the Act). This review will cover each aspect of the legal framework set out by the Act, including eligibility criteria, processes, safeguards to protect patients and practitioners, and the establishment of administrative bodies to oversee and monitor the provision of assisted dying. The consultation is open to all, but the Ministry has highlighted their particular interested in engaging directly with those who have sought or supported someone seeking assisted dying services in Aotearoa. Information on how to make a submission can be found online. The consultation period closes 26 September 2024.

NGO participation in UN CEDAW meeting 

The United Nations has provided information on how NGOs can participate in the upcoming Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s (CEDAW) review of several countries’ reports on their implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.  Aotearoa is included amongst those nations being reviewed, with the examination set to take place on 10 October 2024. The deadline for submissions from NGOs wishing to participate is 9 September 2024. Manatū Wāhine | Ministry of Women can provide further information and advice at: caucus@women.govt.nz.

Human Rights Commissioners appointed

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced 3 appointments to Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission. Dr Stephen Rainbow has been appointed as the Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Melissa Derby (Ngāti Ranginui) as Race Relations Commissioner, and Dr Gail Pacheco as Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner. The incoming commissioners will join Disability Rights Commissioner, Prudence Walker, and Rongomau Taketake indigenous rights governance leader, Dayle Takitimu (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou).

Latest Sexual Violence attrition report and new fact sheet on abuse reported as adults

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released, Progression of reported sexual assaults through the criminal justice system: Sexual assaults reported to Police April 2017-March 2023 (2024). This report uses data from Police and the Courts and highlights the pathways of victims rather than those of perpetrators. The Ministry have also published a factsheet Adults reporting sexual assaults to Police that they experienced as children (2024), which highlights how adult reports of child sexual assault differ from reports made by children.