Creative Leadership: Leader as Ambassador, To the United Nations...

Hi there,

I am writing to you as the Human Right Issues contact for the United Nations Global Compact movement. I would like to draw your attention to what I believe to be the flagrant and systematic abuse of human rights in New Zealand. I appreciate that it may come as a surprise that human rights abuses could occur in the clean, green land of the Lord of the Rings, but I assure you that freedom and justice are under attack. As such I am compelled by the moral obligation to act.

In October 2007, seventeen people were arrested on suspicion of terrorist activity by the police after an investigation that lasted over one year and cost the New Zealand taxpayer over eight million dollars. Eight homes were searched by the police as part of their action. One remote rural village was held under siege by the police for over twenty four hours. All the while the media indulged in speculation and sensationalising of the events.

Firstly, the universal declaration is quite clear that there should be no distinction in the enjoyment of human rights on such grounds of political opinion, national or social origin or status. The October Terror Raids exclusively targeted Maori Indigenous people, civil rights organisations, political activists, environmental activists, community centres, war veterans, organic farmers and gardeners.

Secondly, in regards to life & security the universal declaration is quite clear that people have the right to be free from inhumane or degrading treatment. The residents of the village of Ruatoki were subjected to a siege by New Zealand Police. All residents and visitors were stopped at police checkpoints and were subjected to arbitrary detention, searches and interrogation without grounds for suspicion. Fully armed police went so far as to stop a bus full of children on the way to school, subjecting the children to searches. These actions by the police are subject to suite by one of New Zealands most prominent lawyers.

Thirdly, in regards to personal freedom, the alleged terrorists and innocent bystanders have been subjected to detention, searches, loss of freedom of movement, right of peaceful assembly and association. Their community assets have been violated and damaged by police seeking evidence of crimes that were later proven to be too hard to define. During the raids the media deliberately published evidence that had been leaked by the police, creating a frame of terror and suspicion in the minds of New Zealand public and ensuring that the reputation of the alleged offenders is ruined and that they will have no chance of a fair trail. Additionally, the charges laid under Terrorism Suppression Act were dismissed because of a lack of evidence and the media is now subject to a law suit for contempt of court for publishing the materials. Whilst the alleged terrorists have been proven to be merely protesters, nether the less the media has put them on trial in the court of public opinion.

Lastly, Cultural Freedom is under attack. The rights of people to form groups and participate in the cultural life of New Zealand have forever been tarnished by the irresponsibility of the media. This country has become a place where a human is free to speak their mind as long as they agree with the silent majority. Quite who that silent majority actually are or who represents them is an arbitrary measure that is redefined by those in positions of power to suite their requirements.

I urge you raise this with the highest authority in the United Nations and to ensure that these issues are not sweeped aside as irrelevant by Permanent Representative for New Zealand. The Anti-Terrorism legislation in New Zealand has been used by the government as a convenient excuse to harass innocent people who are seen to be alternative or participating in a group that is not considered mainstream. The media have played upon this by creating a climate of fear and suspicion to justify their illegal acts. Democracy itself is in danger and I am no longer comfortable to express my freedom of association without fear of being targeted for my political beliefs. I am very thankful for the internet, without which I fear that you would never get to hear of these tragedies that are befalling our people in this isolated corner of the world.

Again, I urge you to raise this issue with anyone who will listen. Please help us and prevent the government from silencing us.