New Zealand Human Rights Commission APF Workshop on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Yogyakarta 5-7 May 2009 Commissioner Joy Liddicoat joyl@hrc.co.nz

We know … There is no State where all human rights are enjoyed by all. LBGT are a vulnerable and marginalised group. National institutions have a unique role in promoting and protecting human rights. The simple solution does not exist. Sen and Uvin just as examples…. There is no “best” or “single” way to ensure human rights standards are met. Stop and ask for questions clarifications etc

Work of NZ HRC Background paper Pluralistic membership and staff Policy and community advocacy Dialogue with particular groups: Religious and interfaith dialogue Voices: sexuality gender and human rights Specific projects: transgender inquiry Project outline: Jack Byrne

Lessons Learned Paris Principles: broad mandate, independent, full powers, empowering process Simplicity: dignity, equality and security (YP) Intersecting contextual issues Be willing to learn: listen to community and government concerns Use an evidence base for media and public engagement Innovative approaches are needed in the region to address resource concerns, including collaborative approaches to human rights promotion and economies of scope rather than scale. Participatory processes need to take account of Pacific contexts and to build on good work related to the rights of children and young people, women, disabled people and vulnerable or marginalised groups. Dialogue about nhris in the Pacific needs to draw on the strengths of both Pacific peoples and human rights promoters and acknowledge that culture, language and tradition have a particular importance (and that these are key human rights issues).

Challenges Myths and stereotypes about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people Perceptions that SO and GI are: difficult to discuss with government “luxury items” not a priority

Opportunities Unique role of NI: national, regional and international Myths and stereotypes There are many “difficult issues” Activities can and should be context specific – we do what we can Small actions can make a huge difference Doing nothing is saying something

Questions for ourselves What can we learn from each other? What actions can we take together? How can we support each other through APF? FULL (NHRIs fully comply with Paris Principles) Key decision-makers of the APF Elect a “Forum Councillor” to the APF peak decision-making body (Forum Council); and A jurist to sit on the APF’s Advisory Council of Jurists CANDIDATE (NHRIs not fully comply with Paris Principles) Requires a commitment from the applicant institution to take active steps to be fully meet Paris Principles ASSOCIATE (institutions not able to comply within a reasonable period) Must possess a broad human rights mandate; and Only one institution will be admitted per Member State of the United Nations