Human Rights Act 1993

Overview of the Human Rights Act

The Human Rights Act in New Zealand aims to promote and protect human rights and prohibit discrimination on various grounds.

Key Elements

1. Purpose and Scope

   • The Human Rights Act aims to promote and protect human rights in New Zealand, including rights to freedom from discrimination.
   • It covers discrimination based on various grounds such as race, gender, disability, age, and sexual orientation.

2. Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination

   • The Act prohibits discrimination based on specified grounds, including but not limited to:
     • Race, ethnicity, and national origin.
     • Gender and sexual orientation.
     • Disability.
     • Age.
     • Religious or ethical belief.

3. Types of Discrimination

   • The Act covers various types of discrimination, including direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimization.
   • It also addresses systemic discrimination and provides mechanisms to address such issues.

4. Legal Protections and Rights

   • Individuals have legal protections under the Act, including the right to be free from discrimination in various areas such as employment, education, and provision of goods and services.
   • The Act outlines processes for complaints and resolutions related to discrimination.

5. Role of Human Rights Commission

   • The Human Rights Commission plays a key role in promoting human rights, investigating complaints of discrimination, and providing education and advocacy.
   • It works to ensure compliance with the Human Rights Act and other relevant legislation.

6. Application in Practice

   • The Act applies to various aspects of public and private life, aiming to create a fair and equal society for all individuals in New Zealand.
   • It encourages proactive measures to prevent discrimination and promote equality.

The Human Rights Act is essential for ensuring equal treatment and protection of human rights across different sectors and contexts in New Zealand.

Learn more about the Act