Prisoners' rights in New Zealand: Difference between revisions
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In New Zealand, many of our human rights are embodied under various domestic legislation, including the [[New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990]] (NZBORA) and the [[Human Rights Act 1993]] (HRA). For example, section 9 of NZBORA affirms that everyone has the right not to be subjected to torture or to cruel, degrading, or disproportionately severe treatment or punishment.<ref>New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, section 9</ref> |
In New Zealand, many of our human rights are embodied under various domestic legislation, including the [[New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990]] (NZBORA) and the [[Human Rights Act 1993]] (HRA). For example, section 9 of NZBORA affirms that everyone has the right not to be subjected to torture or to cruel, degrading, or disproportionately severe treatment or punishment.<ref>New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, section 9</ref> |
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New Zealand also has a number of international obligations, being party to a number of international treaties and covenants such as the Convention against |
New Zealand also has a number of international obligations, being party to a number of international treaties and covenants such as the [[United Nations Convention against Torture | United Nations Convention against Torture, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)]] and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”). For example, Article 10 of the latter provides that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person. |
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It follows then, that New Zealand prisoners are afforded a number of human rights. However, this is not always the case. Recent criticisms by a United Nations report clearly highlight a number of issues which constitute the ill-treatment of prisoners; such as remand prisoners being routinely held on lock-down for 19 hours per day; an increasingly strict prison regime, as well as the mixing of adult and youth prisoners. |
It follows then, that New Zealand prisoners are afforded a number of human rights. However, this is not always the case. Recent criticisms by a United Nations report clearly highlight a number of issues which constitute the ill-treatment of prisoners; such as remand prisoners being routinely held on lock-down for 19 hours per day; an increasingly strict prison regime, as well as the mixing of adult and youth prisoners. |
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Revision as of 01:53, 26 April 2015
Prisoners’ rights in New Zealand
Introduction
At as 31 December 2014, there are 8080 male prisoners and 561 female prisoners being held across 17 prisons in New Zealand.[1] The most populated prison in New Zealand is Mt Eden Corrections Facility, with 952 prisoners, closely followed by Rimutaka Prison with 942 prisoners.[2]
In New Zealand, many of our human rights are embodied under various domestic legislation, including the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (NZBORA) and the Human Rights Act 1993 (HRA). For example, section 9 of NZBORA affirms that everyone has the right not to be subjected to torture or to cruel, degrading, or disproportionately severe treatment or punishment.[3]
New Zealand also has a number of international obligations, being party to a number of international treaties and covenants such as the United Nations Convention against Torture, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”). For example, Article 10 of the latter provides that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.
It follows then, that New Zealand prisoners are afforded a number of human rights. However, this is not always the case. Recent criticisms by a United Nations report clearly highlight a number of issues which constitute the ill-treatment of prisoners; such as remand prisoners being routinely held on lock-down for 19 hours per day; an increasingly strict prison regime, as well as the mixing of adult and youth prisoners.
References
- ^ http://www.corrections.govt.nz/resources/quarterly_prison_statistics/CP_December_2014.html
- ^ http://www.corrections.govt.nz/resources/quarterly_prison_statistics/CP_December_2014.html
- ^ New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, section 9