As I sat and read an article the other day, written by the children’s commissioner, it reminded me just how important her role is in the community and for the tamariki of Aotearoa.
The commissioner’s article was written to mark the 30th anniversary of Aotearoa ratifying the UN Convention on the rights of children.
The Convention sets out the rights of all children aged 0-18, without exceptions, and the responsibilities of governments to ensure those rights. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we consider the rights of children in the context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and a child’s connection with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi and communities.
Dr Ian Hassall was Aotearoa’s very first children’s commissioner, a wonderful man who laid the groundwork for all future children’s commissioners.
So much important work has been done since Sir Ian’s tenure, giving our tamariki a voice that they so desperately need and ensuring their rights are being upheld.
I met with judge Francis Eivers, in the middle of last year, and was given a direct introduction to some of the wonderful work the commissioner does and can only say I am still troubled by the proposed removal of her role.
Social Justice Aotearoa understands just how important the commissioner is and our position remains clear, we will hold the National party to account where they have said if elected in 2023 they will reinstate the role of Children’s Commissioner, which we have in writing.