Following increased concerns on the Government’s COVID-19 Public Health Response Bill, Amnesty International has released the below commentary from Executive Director Meg de Ronde.
"The COVID-19 Public Health Response Bill seeks to protect everyone’s right to health and life. However, a balance must be struck with other human rights. This Bill introduces significant powers with potentially far-reaching implications, and we do not believe sufficient human rights scrutiny has taken place."
Meg de Ronde, Executive Director, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand
De Ronde says there needs to be better consultation and public scrutiny on this significant Bill.
“In order to build further trust and confidence in the important and ongoing public health response to COVID-19, there needs to be better consultation and public scrutiny on what is a significant Bill. We urge the Government to refer this Bill to select committee for a post-enactment review to enable this.”
Meg de Ronde, Executive Director, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand