Role Funding:The Human Rights Commission has welcomed a landmark cross-party decision in Parliament to advance modern slavery legislation, calling it a significant step forward for both human rights and democratic cooperation in Aotearoa. Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Professor Gail Pacheco says the decision marks an important moment for New Zealand’s human rights framework. “Advancing a modern slavery law is an important step forward for human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand,” Professor Pacheco said. The Human Rights Commission says the cross-party backing of the Bill demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable people and ensuring New Zealand’s laws keep pace with international human rights standards. “Today’s decision is an encouraging signal for both democracy and human rights in New Zealand,” she said.