Human rights approach The Commission has adopted an approach to encourage human dignity and rights to be taken into account at all levels of decision-making. This approach is drawn from international good practice and has been adapted for New Zealand. Linking every level of decision-making to human rights standards, as set out in New Zealand law and international instruments Identifying all of the human rights involved and balancing any competing rights (where necessary, this involves prioritising the rights of vulnerable people or groups), to maximise respect for all rights and rights-holders in decision-making Placing emphasis on the active participation of all individuals and groups in decision-making that affects them Ensuring non-discrimination and the equal enjoyment of rights and obligations by all people in New Zealand Encouraging all individuals and groups to know and practice their rights, to respect each other’s dignity, to take action and express their views in any decision-making that affects them Providing accountability and transparency of decision-making by enabling all individuals and groups to know about any decisions that adversely affects them and allowing them to appeal unfair decisions We look to use this approach in our day-to-day work and help other government and non-government organisations to apply it as well. We will achieve many of our strategic objectives when this approach is continually applied and respected by all people making decisions or taking actions that affect people’s dignity and rights. Annual Report 2014 11