U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of New Zealand

32^nd Session
Geneva, January 21, 2019 

as delivered by Charles Bentley

The United States warmly welcomes the New Zealand delegation to the UPR Working Group.

We recommend that New Zealand:

1. Continue to pursue convictions under domestic anti-trafficking laws, including stringent penalties for offenders, and to take steps to reduce demand for forced labor, including in supply chains.
2. Address discrimination in employment and labor market participation against indigenous persons, individuals belonging to ethnic minority groups, and individuals with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities, in addition to funding further community support services, to include post-learning opportunities.
3. Take action to ensure the provision of physical and mental health services for those in detention facilities, as well as to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

The United States commends New Zealand’s continued leadership and commitment to promoting human rights internationally.  We highlight our shared history of democracy and rule of law and will continue to partner with New Zealand to advance these priorities in the region and around the world.

The United States supports the Government of New Zealand’s continued efforts to counter domestic violence, to protect children against abuse and neglect, and to combat forced labor.  We encourage the enforcement of regulations aimed at increasing the transparency of foreign migrant recruitment and compliance with employment and immigration requirements.  We underscore the efforts that New Zealand has made to advance the human rights of LGBTI persons globally and encourage further efforts to address inequality.