Media Advisory
13/03/02
Making Human Rights Work in the Public Sector

The Human Rights Commission’s latest education service, specifically designed for the public sector, heralds a new era for human rights in New Zealand.
Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan said that the passing of the Human Rights Amendment Act 2001 late last year meant that Government was finally fully accountable under the Human Rights Act.

“Now there is a remedy possible for anyone to directly challenge what they consider to be discriminatory laws, policies or practices.”

“This means that Government and the wider public sector will have to consider human rights issues and principles in the drafting of laws and regulations as well as through the policy-making process, employment practices and in the delivery of their services”.

“Full public sector compliance with the Act is an important step on the way towards the development of a more robust and sustainable human rights culture for New Zealand”.

A training resource has also been developed to inform Government agencies of what the amended Act means for the public sector and to assist them in implementing the resulting changes.

“The Commission is looking forward to working with the Government and the wider public sector on the creation and sustaining of a society which has human rights at the core of its national values,” said Ms Noonan.

The Commission will be introducing “Making Human Rights Work” at the State Services Commission in Wellington, at 5.30pm on Thursday 14th March. The Associate Minister of Justice, the Hon. Margaret Wilson will be launching the resource. Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan will also be speaking at the launch.

For further information call Miriam Bell, Human Rights Commission Communications Officer on 025 313 239 or 09 375 8627.

© Scoop Media