Ian Axford Fellowships seminar: Cornelia Weiss – Respecting Human Rights and the Rule of Law: The New Zealand Defence Force

Fulbright New Zealand, IPANZ and the Ian Axford (New Zealand) Fellowships in Public Policy Board invite you to the third in a series of public seminars by this year’s six Ian Axford (New Zealand) Fellows in Public Policy.

About the Author

Cornelia Weiss, 2012 Ian Axford (New Zealand) Fellow in Public Policy

Cornelia Weiss is a Judge Advocate at the United States Air Force Reserves in Washington, DC. During Cornelia’s Ian Axford Fellowship exchange to New Zealand she has been based at the New Zealand Defence Force, researching the impact of military justice, human rights and the rule of law on New Zealand Defence Force operations.

Abstract

New Zealand’s respect for human rights and the rule of law in military operations is one of its great, unacknowledged strengths. While not flawless and with the complications of contradictions, New Zealand can offer the world the beginnings of a blueprint. While certain of the elements of the blueprint may not be transferable, others are.

Lack of respect for human rights and the rule of law undermine operations. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) selection process, training, self-leadership, size, types of operations, force composition, and culture as well as New Zealand political leadership and New Zealand culture may contribute to NZDF respect for human rights and the rule of law. Proactive respect for human rights and the rule of law – as demonstrated in the examples of Bosnia, Bougainville, Timor Leste and Afghanistan – enable success.

New Zealand must remain vigilant in guarding against disrespect for human rights and the rule of law including guarding against implementing changes simply as cost-cutting measures. It should proudly acknowledge its commitment to respect for human rights and rule of law such as in its Defence White Paper. And New Zealand should actively promote respect such as through a UNSCR 1325 National Action Plan.

Ian Axford (New Zealand) Fellowships in Public Policy seminars

Ian Axford (New Zealand) Fellowships in Public Policy are for outstanding mid-career professionals from the United States of America to research, travel and gain practical experience in public policy in New Zealand for seven months, during which time they are hosted at relevant government agencies in Wellington and work towards publishing a policy report. Their reports are launched at a series of seminars, and are subsequently available to download from the Fulbright New Zealand website.

There are six Ian Axford Fellowship seminars in 2012:

• Monday 20 August:
  Caroline Park – More with Less: Exploring Service Delivery Models for New Zealand Marine Fisheries;
• Tuesday 21 August:
  David Vannier – Primary and Secondary School Science Education in New Zealand (Aotearoa) – Policies and Practices for a Better Future;
• Wednesday 22 August:
  Cornelia Weiss – Respecting Human Rights and the Rule of Law: The New Zealand Defence Force;
• Friday 24 August:
  Bruce Vaughn – The United States and New Zealand: Perspectives on a Pacific Partnership;
• Monday 27 August:
  Craig Lebamoff – If You Trust Us, You Trust Us. New Zealand in the Post 9/11 World: Balancing Security and Privacy Rights the Kiwi Way
  We regret that due to unforeseen circumstances this seminar has been cancelled;
• Wednesday 29 August:
  Christian Stearns – Rebuilding Sustainable Communities: Partnerships for Social Housing.

The seminars are jointly presented by Fulbright New Zealand and IPANZ. Tea and coffee will be provided.

IPANZ members register at www.ipanz.org.nz, non-members by email to [email protected]