Human Rights
Welcome to the Human Rights section of the website of the Ministry of Justice
Human Rights recognise the dignity and worth of all people. They apply to all persons without any distinction between them, simply because they are human beings.
Human Rights are basic standards that influence how we live together. Exercising human rights involves the responsibility to have due regard to the interests of other people and the community. Human rights, however, particularly govern the relationship between individuals or groups of individuals and the State.
Human Rights are vital for the development of a diverse, inclusive and democratic society that respects the rule of law, human dignity, equality and freedom.
In the Human Rights section of this website, you can find information and documents relating to domestic and international human rights instruments and procedures that are important for ensuring respect for human rights in New Zealand.
Role of the Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice provides legal and policy advice on domestic human rights matters and the implementation of international human rights obligations, including preparing the periodic reports under various international human rights treaties.
The Ministry advises the Attorney-General on the consistency of legislation with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. The Ministry also provides assistance and guidance to government departments so as to ensure human rights considerations are integrated into the development of policy proposals.
The Ministry also gives policy advice about, and has administrative responsibilities for, the Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
The Ministry administers the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, the Human Rights Act 1993 and the Privacy Act 1993, and reviews these Acts as required.
International Human Rights Protection
New Zealand is a party to seven core international human rights treaties of the United Nations. By signing up to these instruments, New Zealand has assumed obligations under international law to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of everyone in New Zealand. This means that the State must refrain from actions that interfere with or curtail the enjoyment of human rights, protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses and take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights.
New Zealand has also undertaken to put into place domestic measures and legislation compatible with its obligations under the treaties, and has agreed to submit periodic reports on the measures taken to give effect to its treaty obligations. Where domestic legal proceedings fail to address unjustified limitations on human rights, mechanisms and procedures for individual complaints are available at the international level to help ensure that international standards are indeed respected, implemented, and enforced.
Domestic Human Rights Protection
Parliament has introduced various laws to give the rights contained in international human rights treaties explicit legal expression and protection. The most important example is the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. Other examples include the Human Rights Act 1993, the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, the Constitution Act 1986, the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 1989, the Crimes of Torture Act 1989, the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1989 and the Privacy Act 1993.
Some legislation gives an organisation or agency a role in overseeing compliance with an international instrument. The best example is the Human Rights Act 1993, which provides the statutory basis for the Human Rights Commission. Other examples include the Ombudsmen Act 1975, the Privacy Act 1993, the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994, and the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003.
Important Dates
The most important human rights events and deadlines have been included in a human rights calendar.
Current Projects
The Ministry of Justice is working on a number of human rights projects.
Consultation
From time to time, the Ministry provides NGOs or the wider public the opportunity to comment on specific human rights activities.
Press Releases and Speeches
Click here for press releases and speeches from the Minister of Justice or the Ministry of Justice on human rights subjects.
Tools for the public service
There are a number of publications available that can assist public servants with the development of policies, practices and legislation that are consistent with human rights standards.
Human Rights Glossary
Click here for a glossary with the acronyms used on this Human Rights website.
