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Individual rights & freedoms

Taking action: What you can do if you’re discriminated against

Complaining to the United Nations

There are also a number of international agreements on human rights and discrimination, including:

  • the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)
  • the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and
  • the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In some cases you may be able to complain to a UN committee under one of those agreements. The committee will be able to deliver an opinion that, although not binding on the New Zealand government, is nevertheless authoritative and persuasive.

For an example of a complaint to a UN committee about disability discrimination, see the chapter “Disability rights”, under “Rights that are recognised internationally: The UN Disability Convention”.

For more information about international human rights agreements generally, go to www.hrc.co.nz/your-rights/what-are-human-rights/.

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Discrimination

Where to go for more support

Community Law

www.communitylaw.org.nz

Your local Community Law Centre can provide initial free legal advice and information.

Human Rights Commission

www.hrc.co.nz

Human Rights Commission InfoLine

Phone: 0800 496 877 (0800 4 YOUR RIGHTS)
Email: infoline@hrc.co.nz
Text enquiries: 0210 236 4253

A free phone and email information service that you can use for enquiries about your rights or to make a complaint under the Human Rights Act 1993.

Pamphlets

You can access pamphlets and fact sheets online or order hard copies from:
Phone: 0800 496 877
Email: resources@hrc.co.nz

Race Relations Commissioner

www.hrc.co.nz/your-rights/racial-discrimination

Phone: 0800 496 877

This section of the Human Rights Commission focuses specifically on ensuring people are not treated unfairly because of their race, ethnicity, skin colour or country of origin.

Human Rights Review Tribunal

www.justice.govt.nz/Tribunals/human-rights

This website provides information about the Tribunal and the hearing process and it also has forms, guides and information about fees.

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