The Commission also appeared as an intervener in an important High Court case that considered whether two offensive newspaper cartoons breached the Human Rights Act by inciting racial disharmony. The case involved a careful balancing of the rights to freedom of expression and protection from discrimination. The Commission lodged more than 30 submissions on new legislation and policy proposals. The Commission also appeared before Parliamentary select committees on several occasions, including appearances on the Child Poverty Reduction Bill, the End of Life Choices Bill and the Privacy Bill. The Commission also undertook a considerable amount of international human rights monitoring work concerning New Zealand’s periodic reporting in meeting its international human rights treaty obligations. Further to this work, Commissioners and staff attended New Zealand’s periodic reviews by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Commission also participated in other international human rights fora relating to sport, the rights of persons with disabilities and the status of women. Responding to the Ministerial Review It has been a year of change within the Commission as it received, and began to address the recommendations made by retired Judge Coral Shaw (“the Shaw Report”). The Ministerial Review was announced by Justice Minister Andrew Little in February following publicity about an internal sexual harassment complaint. While positive about the Commission’s external work, the Shaw Report identified shortcomings in the systems and processes for investigating and resolving internal sexual harassment complaints. It also identified issues with the Commission’s organisational culture; approach to governance and management; and policies and systems within the organisation. A senior manager has been appointed to lead the response to the recommendations. She is working closely with Commissioners, the Chief Executive and a review group made up of staff members, including Public Service Association (PSA) delegates. The past year has been a testing one for staff, and the Board would like to thank everyone at the Commission for continuing to deliver high quality work during this time. 8 Human Rights Commission