Media statement: Human Rights Commission…

Chief Human Rights Commissioner Dr Stephen Rainbow has called for the immediate end to the promotion of a “hotline” to report Israeli soldiers visiting Aotearoa.

The Commission has received more than 90 complaints about the hotline post calling for reports of Israeli soldiers or reservists holidaying in New Zealand. The post asked for help “to track them down so we can let them know they are not welcome here”.

The threshold for unlawful speech under the Human Rights Act is very high, particularly in relation to freedom of political expression, so the promotion may not be unlawful, however, the Chief Commissioner sees it as potentially harmful to Israeli and Jewish people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Israeli and Jewish people have as much right as everyone else in New Zealand to be safe, secure, and free from harassment,” Dr Rainbow says.

“This sort of action has the risk of a ripple effect which may cause harm in the community. We call on those behind the hotline to close it down and cease promotion immediately.”

Kaihautū Whakawhanaungatanga-ā-Iwi Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby says “Building connection and understanding across our communities is crucial for Aotearoa New Zealand, and in protecting and upholding human rights”.

The Royal Commission report into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain called on all people in New Zealand to support social cohesion. That means not allowing racism, antisemitism, islamophobia and other forms of hateful bigotry to flourish.

The Commission has also received eight complaints about immigration policy permitting Israeli soldiers to enter New Zealand under the visa waiver scheme that applies to Israel and some other countries. The Commission acknowledges that many people in New Zealand feel strongly about pressuring our government to do more to enforce international humanitarian and human rights law. We encourage them to do so in a way that does not put other people at risk.

The Commission offers information, dispute resolution services for complaints covered by the Human Rights Act, and in some cases, brings about conversations to encourage understanding and peaceful relations between individuals and communities.

Our complaints page is at Making a complaint.