Struggling for acceptance : the New Zealand Human Rights Commission : a history of the first twenty years 1978-1998 : presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

In the past twenty years human rights have commanded the growing attention of both the most powerful and powerless people in the world. The global focus on nuclear and biological disarmament and on the implementation of 'development' programmes in 'developing' countries is evidence of a world more aware of basic human rights. The recent vote for independence in East Timor, the resulting atrocities, and the world's swift reaction to these, further demonstrate that human rights violations will not be tolerated. The United Nations has also renewed its emphasis on human rights, first outlined fifty years ago in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They have both implemented several UN Development Programmes in Asia, Africa and South America, and focused on drafting many new human rights covenants such as the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People. [From Introduction]