The APF held a virtual dialogue on discrimination in employment and the role of NHRIs, in collaboration with the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.

The online event, held on 26 August, was the fourth in the APF Virtual Dialogue Series, which brings together NHRIs across the region to share how they have worked to promote and protect human rights in the era of COVID-19 and to discuss opportunities for collaboration.

During the dialogue, APF members shared their work in calling for greater equality, transparency and eliminating discrimination in the workplace.

Presentations included:

• Dr Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo, Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner provided an overview of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission’s national inquiry into the Pacific pay gap. Since July 2021, the Commission has been engaging with Pacific workers with a focus on the manufacturing, construction and health sectors. 
• Dr Rosalie Atie, Policy Adviser Race Discrimination Team at the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), spoke about the Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework (NARF) Project, a long-term project to guide actions on anti-racism by government, NGOs, business, educators, health professionals, justice authorities, civil society, and the community.
• Mr Rajiv Jain, Member of the National Human Rights Commission of India spoke on the issue of the workforce and gender pay parity. In his presentation he provided background to protections in the Indian Constitution and legislation in relation to gender pay parity.

The APF has held three previous dialogues in the series, on the monitoring of detention centres during COVID-19, the role of NHRIs in advancing the right of vulnerable communities during COVID, and the rights of people with disability.

“The APF dialogues serve to strengthen our network and our resolve to work together to promote and protect human rights at home and in the region,” said Pip Dargan, APF Principal Adviser on Capacity Assessments and International Engagement, and facilitator of the series.

“There’s a strong desire from our membership to exchange, listen and learn from each other, despite the physical distance we’ve endured during the pandemic,” she said.

Follow the APF Virtual Dialogue Series on social media: #APFDialogueSeries

Date: 30 September 2022.