A group of Kiwi business leaders have called for a more inclusive country following the Christchurch mosque attacks
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A group of New Zealand’s top business leaders have come together to take a public stand against racism in the workplace.
The leaders have published an open letter calling for a more inclusive country following the Christchurch mosque attacks on 15 March.
Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt said he applauds the leaders who have signed the open letter for speaking out and “giving nothing to racism”.
“It’s up to all of us to stand up to racism. Our employers have a crucial role in making sure workplaces are safe and inclusive environments free from discrimination in all forms,” said Hunt.
“The message these business leaders are send is an important one. Tackling racism requires all of us to step up. These business leaders promise to be champions of change in our community.”
Two years ago, the Human Rights Commission launched it’s Give Nothing To Racism campaign.
The campaign asked Kiwis to acknowledge that racism and prejudice starts small and it needs their support to survive. The campaign encourages people to address small acts of racism that people often let slide.
“I hope other New Zealand businesses get on board with this initiative and work to ensure their workplaces are inclusive, and free from discrimination and racism,” said Hunt.
Moreover, the group made a joint commitment to further their actions and accountability. As signatories to the open letter, they wrote that they will actively commit to:
• Creating a culture where words, behaviours and systems that directly or indirectly discriminate against people are not tolerated. This will require an open culture enabling all their organisation’s people to be empowered to speak up when they see casual and systemic discrimination, in a way that supports learning.
• Supporting their people by giving them access to training, tools and techniques to help them understand what actions and behaviours support – and do not support – inclusivity.
• Continuously reviewing and updating their organisational-wide processes, such as recruitment, to ensure they remain relevant and promote the diversity and difference needed for organisations, and society to thrive. • Celebrating and acknowledging the value of all aspects of diversity and difference in their organisations.
