International Human Rights Day (2019)

The abstract records an event hosted at Massey University, Wellington, on December 10, 2019, to mark International Human Rights Day. The gathering served dual purposes: to celebrate human rights and acknowledge various tragedies around the globe, including White Island's eruption, Australia's bushfires, and Samoa's measles outbreak. Mani Bruce Mitchell, Fleur Fitzsimons, Kevin Haunui, Mira Woldberg, and Toni Duder were among the notable speakers who shared their experiences and insights on human rights issues, particularly those related to LGBTQ+ communities.

The event's discussions centered on the ongoing relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, which remains essential as the world continues to grapple with human rights abuses. The Netherlands Ambassador emphasized the need for global cooperation to address these challenges and underscored the Netherlands' efforts, along with nations like New Zealand, to advance human rights through international mechanisms such as UN special envoys. The speakers reiterated the importance of dialogues and actions that contribute to building a more inclusive and respectful world for diverse communities.

The event also focused on personal narratives of identity and expression. Mani Bruce Mitchell, also known for advocacy in the LGTBQ+ community, discussed coming out as intersex, non-binary, and queer, and the evolution of acceptance over time. Similarly, Councillor Fitzsimons shared their experience of parenting a transgender child and touched on the broader societal shifts in understanding gender. The significance of active community engagement, such as initiatives to make legal changes more accessible for transgender individuals, was highlighted as a means for progress.

Toni Duder's contribution offered a glimpse into the lived experiences of young LGBTQ+ individuals, illustrating the importance of visibility, activism, and community support. They underscored the necessity of accessible safe spaces and urging families and communities to foster environments of acceptance and open dialogue. The challenges posed by conservative communities and how individuals no longer matching societal expectations of gender or sexual orientation navigate these environments formed part of the conversation.

In conclusion, the event emphasized the continued need for advocacy, education, and legislative change to protect human rights. The narrative demonstrated progress while acknowledging the distance yet to be covered. The collaborative spirit of the event, with a variety of voices from different backgrounds, brought to light the collective responsibility in the fight against discrimination and the celebration of diversity.

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Fleur Fitzsimons Kevin Haunui Mani Bruce Mitchell Mira Woldberg Toni Duder Tīwhanawhana

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