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Human rights
New human rights data shows New Zealand failing to protect basic rights
Research released today by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) raises serious concerns about how human rights are being upheld in Aotearoa New Zealand, with new data showing the country continues to fall short in protecting people's basic rights. The latest data, available on the HRMI Rights Tracker, shows Aotearoa New Zealand's scores for the rights to food and work remain in the 'very bad' range and have continued to deteriorate over several years. The country's scores for the right to quality education and reproductive health have also been steadily declining.
25 June, 2026
Discrimination
Muslim, Hindu and Sikh New Zealanders belong here
Last week, Brian Tamaki, leader of Destiny Church, posted a video calling for Aotearoa New Zealand to be “purged” of Hindu, Sikh and Muslim people, and suggesting their mosques and temples be burned. We are shocked, and we condemn these statements without reservation.
22 June, 2026
Human rights
Calls for action on online harm
Major Aotearoa New Zealand businesses, media organisations, professional bodies and community organisations have joined together to call on the Government to strengthen tech accountability for online harm. This includes stronger digital accountability measures, including new transparency and accountability requirements, and an independent regulator with powers to oversee and enforce them.
01 June, 2026
Human rights
GLOBAL: Executions surge to highest recorded figure in 44 years
Together, we are supporting on-the-ground research and helping to document shocking human rights violations.
18 May, 2026
Our Domestic Work
We can create an Aotearoa where everyone can thrive
The Helen Clark Foundation’s second annual report on social cohesion has found that cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand has slipped across every dimension measured.
28 April, 2026
Our Domestic Work
Annual Report 2025/26
The 2026 edition of Amnesty International’s annual report, The State of the World’s Human Rights, assesses national, regional and global developments across a wide range of human rights themes.
16 March, 2026
Our Domestic Work
Agnès Callamard's call for Aotearoa to resist
A message from Amnesty International's Secretary General
16 March, 2026
Our Domestic Work
Select Committee calls for online platform transparency and accountability
The Education and Workforce Select Committee has reported back on its inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders face online. Amnesty International agrees that transparency and accountability, overseen by an independent regulator, are vital.
05 March, 2026
Conflict
Urgent call to protect civilians amid escalating Middle East conflict
Amid regional hostilities after the US-Israel attacks on Iran and the subsequent wave of Iranian retaliatory attacks, Amnesty International is issuing an urgent call to protect civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law.
04 March, 2026
Our Domestic Work
Bill limiting protest outside of residences chilling
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned following the Justice Committee’s report recommending by majority the progression of the Summary Offences (Demonstrations Near Residential Premises) Amendment Bill.
26 February, 2026
Our Domestic Work
Rough sleepers need homes, not handcuffs
Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the Government granting "move on" powers, which enable Police to force people to leave a public space, without evidence of criminal activity, on pain of fine or imprisonment.
23 February, 2026
Our Domestic Work
When neutrality silences human rights, democracy is at risk
This article originally appeared in The Post and other Stuff newspapers around Aotearoa New Zealand
04 February, 2026
Human rights
Global: Amnesty International raises human rights concerns following US’s military action in Venezuela
Today’s military action by the US Trump Administration in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, raises grave concerns for the human rights of the Venezuelan population.
02 January, 2026
Human rights
Happy Holidays 2025
Happy Holidays to you all from the team at Amnesty International
22 December, 2025
Our Domestic Work
If I Was Prime Minister
JustSpeak and Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand have launched a report that places the voices of rangatahi at the centre of efforts to improve how we approach justice issues.
19 December, 2025