Race Relations Report
More work needs to be done to reduce the serious social and economic inequalities facing Maori and Pacific NZers, according to an annual review of race relations released by the Human Rights Commission. "Race Relations in 2005" provides an overview of the major issues and developments of last year, covering areas such as cultural diversity, the Treaty of Waitangi, discrimination, and economic and social rights. It also includes a review of race-related complaints made to the Human Rights Commission. Last year the Commission received 1,796 complaints, with 597 referring to race, colour or ethnic or national origins.
A total of 455 complaints were resolved at, or close to, initial contact with the complainant, by providing information, or through informal intervention. The remaining 142 complaints were resolved through the Commission's dispute resolution service. Of these 142 complaints, the largest numbers related to discrimination or racial harassment in the workplace (20 percent); discrimination in the provision of goods and services (22 percent); and complaints about public sector agencies or discriminatory legislation (23 percent).
There were very few race-related complaints made against media outlets in 2005. Only three complaints regarding racial denigration were lodged with the Broadcasting Standards Authority, and there were no complaints lodged with the Press Council.
"Race Relations in 2005" is available on the Commission's website at www.hrc.co.nz |
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