The New Zealand anti-terror bill has drawn severe criticism from the Amnesty Interational. The U.S.-based international human rights organisation raised grave concerns over the speed with which the Bill is being rushed through Parliament and called for extended consultation period.

Amanda Brydon, Advocacy Manager at Amnesty International in a statement said, "Slamming through legislation in such a short time-frame puts hard won fundamental human rights at risk. It is a blow to the foundations of New Zealand's constitutional arrangements." The Amnesty official noted that it is "dangerous to rush through such measures without proper consultation. Careful and thoughtful analysis is needed in place of fast-tracking and grandstanding," reported Scoop News.

While agreeing that the New Zealand government led by Mr John Key has an important role in protecting the country and its citizens from threats to national security, she reminded that it also holds a responsibility to uphold the values and freedoms it is trying to defend. To do this, it must be ensured that anti-terror protection measures are consistent with international human rights standards. The Amnesty official noted that the same is not reflecting adequately in the current bill.

Interference with Rights

The Amnesty official pointed to some areas of high concern in the legislation, such as cancellation of passports and the increased surveillance of individuals, including circumstances where a warrant is not required. These, she said, amount to a fundamental interference with a range of human rights including the right to privacy, freedom of expression and freedom of movement. The Amnesty International also questioned the New Zealand government's justification that the legislation is to meet obligations set out by the United Nations Security Council resolution on foreign fighters.

The Amnesty official pointed that the same resolution also mandates that states to comply with obligations under international law - including human rights and failure to do so will contribute to radicalisation. "By allowing 48 hours for consultation by experts and others, the government is not allowing the opportunity for proper scrutiny and the ability to robustly discuss whether the proposals are consistent with our obligations under international law," she noted. Amnesty International called up the New Zealand government to stop using the Security Council resolution as a shield to justify in rushing the bill without due consultation process.

Support By Spy Boss

Meanwhile, New Zealand's spy boss supported the controversial anti-terrorist legislation. Rebecca Kitteridge, Director of the Security Intelligence Service appeared before the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, which is hearing the submissions and supported the bill, reported Stuff. Co. Nz.