During the year, we became more aware of threats to fundamental freedoms emerging in the digital world and in relation to the gathering of information and intelligence. These include threats from terrorism and the steps taken to counter terrorism. We reported directly to the Prime Minister on the Government Communications Security Bureau and Related Legislation Amendment Bill (GCSB Bill) and wider issues relating to surveillance and the human rights of people in New Zealand. A copy of the report was provided to the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights, Navi Pillay and to the United Nations Human Rights Committee to inform their consideration of New Zealand’s compliance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Commission met with the Committee in March 2014 and was asked to provide an update on developments. An update was sent to the Committee and to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in June 2014. New Zealand’s second Universal Periodic Review and developing a national action plan on human rights Every four years, countries that belong to the United Nations are asked to declare what they are doing to improve human rights. This process is called the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). In 2013, it was New Zealand’s second opportunity to participate in the UPR process and have its human rights record assessed. The United Nations Human Rights Council received submissions from the New Zealand Government and the New Zealand Human Rights Commission as well as detailed feedback from a range of non-government organisations and civil society groups. Both the Commission and the Government consulted widely with non-government organisations and community groups. As a result, there was more than five times the number of reports and submissions made by civil society groups during this UPR cycle, compared to the first UPR in 2009. The Commission worked closely with civil society groups who had made submissions and supported their involvement throughout the UPR process. This included producing a video from submitters that were unable to attend the formal United Nations discussions on the UPR which took place in Geneva. 24