UN demands explanation from New Zealand over Māori land rights violations

By Efe Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) - The UN Human Rights Office has sought clarification from the New Zealand government regarding reported human rights violations against Māori communities in central and northern parts of the country.

The request, signed by three independent UN human rights experts, follows a 2017 Supreme Court ruling mandating that the government adhere to a land deal established in the 1830s between the New Zealand Company and the Māori in the Nelson region, according to RNZ news.

The letter highlighted significant and ongoing delays in resolving this case, stating, "This delay prevents Nelson Tenths from exercising their right to the lands, territories, and resources in the Nelson region, and from accessing their traditional territories. Therefore, it affects the continued exercise of their traditional activities and spiritual ceremonies, impacting the intergenerational passing of scientific knowledge about this area."

The UN letter follows a visit to Nelson earlier this year by José Francisco Calí Tzay, the UN's highest-ranking official on indigenous rights.

In response, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka stated that the government is preparing a comprehensive response after receiving a request for information from the independent experts engaged by the UN Human Rights Council.