“This plan is not just about responding to racism – it’s about confronting its root: colonisation, and restoring the dignity of tangata whenua and all communities impacted.”
“PAPARA is one of our many responses to political neglect,” added Rahui Papa.
“We will not allow silence to be mistaken for consent. This kaupapa will gather stories, evidence, and solutions from the ground up. It is by the people, for the people – and it will endeavor to hold power to account while educating and informing communities.”
The Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the National Iwi Chairs Forum, began developing a national action plan against racism in 2022, following recommendations under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It was also a key response requested by the working group on the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the 2019 Attack on Christchurch Mosques. However, in early 2024, after attempts by Minister Paul Goldsmith to diminish the plan’s focus on colonial and institutional racism, the Tangata Whenua caucus to the action plan withdrew from the process, declaring the partnership untenable. From that point on, the government has failed to progress its own action plan against racism, abandoned all action on hate speech and hate crimes, and has concluded its response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry, leaving multiple recommendations unmet.
These matters have become even more relevant in light of the Regulatory Standards Bill currently being advanced by the Government. The bill has raised alarm for its potential to undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi and roll back protections against structural racism. This is just one attempt of many by this government to try and erode human rights in Aotearoa.
A draft of the independent People’s Action Plan Against Racism is expected to be completed by October 2025.
To attend the launch webinar on 4 June at 7pm and learn more about PAPARA, register at https://tinyurl.com/AntiRacistAotearoa
Source: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2506/S00029/iwi-chairs-launch-anti-racism-website.htm