Statement of Intent 2013 to 2016 - Human Rights Commission

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION | STATEMENT OF INTENT35Output: Enquiries andcomplaints, and legalinterventionsDescription: This output involves providing New Zealanderswith a means of seeking advice and possible redress if theythink they have been unlawfully discriminated against.The Commission has a statutory responsibility to provide adisputes resolution service that is as efficient, informal andcost effective, and an information and referral service forenquirers on human rights matters.The Office of Human Rights Proceedings (OHRP) may alsoprovide legal representation before the Human RightsReview Tribunal and higher courts where the criteria in ourAct are met. Those proceedings are brought under the antidiscriminationprovisions of the Human Rights Act.The OHRP also receives referrals from the PrivacyCommissioner under the Privacy Act in cases where theCommissioner concludes that there has been interferencewith a person’s privacy. The Director may bring proceedingsin his name if he is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so.The Commission undertakes strategic litigation in order toadvocate and promote respect for, and an understanding andappreciation of, human rights in New Zealand, utilising itslegislative mandate in sections 5(2)(i) and (j) of the HumanRights Act.Services provided include:1 information, referral and disputes resolution service2 bringing legal proceedings3 intervening in court proceedings.Performance determination: Footnotes provide informationon how the scale of outputs have been determined and howmeasures and standards have been set.Cost: the total allocation to this output area for 2013–14 is$3,085,227.Link with Human Rights Commission outcomes: thisoutput contributes primarily towards the Commission’soutcome 4: human rights mainstreaming.