Statement of Intent 2013 to 2016 - Human Rights Commission

4 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION | STATEMENT OF INTENTWho we are and what we doKo wai mätou ä he aha tä mätou mahiThe Human Rights Commission (the Commission) works toachieve a society in which people in New Zealand enjoytheir human rights, duty-bearers uphold their human rightsresponsibilities, and people live together harmoniously byshowing a common respect for each other’s human dignity.The Commission, which includes the Office of HumanRights Proceedings, is an independent Crown entity forthe purposes of the Crown Entities Act, accountable to theMinister of Justice (the Minister). Our functions and relatedresponsibilities are set out under the Human Rights Act (ourAct).The Commission is an “A status” accredited nationalhuman rights institution (NHRI). This allows us formalparticipation at the United Nations (UN) Human RightsCouncil, including its Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Italso allows us to provide information on New Zealand’shuman rights performance through UN special proceduresand to UN treaty bodies, to assist them in making informedrecommendations. The accreditation, reviewed everyfive years, requires each NHRI to comply fully with thestandards set out in the UN Principles Relating to the Statusof National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection ofHuman Rights − commonly known as the “Paris Principles”.We engage internationally as a member of the Asia PacificForum of NHRIs (APF) and of the International CoordinatingCommittee of National Institutions for the Promotion andProtection of Human Rights (ICC). These membershipsenable us to build mutual capability through the sharingof good practice and participation in professionaldevelopment programmes.The foundations for our work are the international humanrights instruments, the Treaty of Waitangi, the ParisPrinciples, the Human Rights Act and the New Zealand Billof Rights Act.Our responsibilitiesOur primary functions, set out under our Act, are to:1 advocate and promote respect for, and anunderstanding and appreciation of, human rights inNew Zealand society2 encourage the maintenance and development ofharmonious relations between individuals and amongthe diverse groups in New Zealand society.Related functions and responsibilities under our Act are to:1 conduct human rights programmes and activities2 make public statements on human rights and racerelations issues3 promote understanding of the human rights dimensionsof the Treaty of Waitangi4 publish guidelines and voluntary codes of practice5 receive and invite public representations on humanrights6 consult and cooperate with other organisations7 inquire into infringements of human rights8 bring proceedings and intervene in court proceedings9 report to the Prime Minister on human rightscompliance, international standards and legislation10 develop a national plan of action for human rights.We are governed by a Board made up of all theCommissioners, chaired by the Chief Commissioner. TheBoard determines the strategic direction and generalnature of the Commission’s activities. In addition to theirgovernance role, Commissioners act as strategic leaders inareas designated by our Act, or by allocation of spheres ofresponsibility by the Chief Commissioner (in consultationwith the Minister). Commissioners engage in activities ofthe Commission (excepting those set out in section 76 ofour Act 1 ) as determined by the Chief Commissioner (inconsultation with the Minister).The functions of the Director of Human Rights Proceedingsinclude providing legal representation to applicantswhose complaints of unlawful discrimination havenot been resolved through the Commission’s disputeresolution process. The Director’s functions also includebringing proceedings under the Privacy Act in respectto interferences with privacy referred by the Privacy1 Section 76(1) Human Rights Act 1993 describes primary functions of the Commission under Part 3 of the Act as: to provide information to members of the public who havequestions about discrimination; and to facilitate the resolution of disputes relating to discrimination by Government, related persons and bodies, or persons or bodies actingwith legal authority, as well as unlawful discrimination.