2 Aug 2023

UN report reiterates concerns about harm in justice system

From Morning Report, 8:19 am on 2 August 2023

The way Aotearoa deals with crime is exacerbating harms to both victims and offenders, who are disproportionately Māori.

The latest report from the United Nations' Committee against Torture reiterates its long-held concerns about the disproportionate representation of Māori throughout the justice system.

The UN calls on the government to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years old, to end the use of physical restraints such as pepper spray for children, and to ban spit hoods outright.

Auckland University Professor of Māori and Pacific Studies Tracey McIntosh spoke to Guyon Espiner.