Latest from Human Rights

Kiwi retailers shocked at slavery claims

Popular pet food brands sold in New Zealand have been caught up in disturbing claims of slavery on the high seas.

Attacks 'show how important role is'

On Race Relations Day, commissioner Dame Susan Devoy talks to Phil Taylor about the challenges of the job and the crossroads we have reached .

Sikhs need clarification on kirpans - Goff

Sikhs take complaint to commission

The HRC has received a complaint of alleged unlawful discrimination on the grounds of religion on the wearing of kirpan at Cricket World Cup venues.

Emory Douglas: A sense of identity

Saudis and Swedes trade blows

The Swedish Government this week decided to scrap an arms deal with Saudi Arabia, effectively bringing to an end a decade-old defence agreement with the kingdom.

Racist liquor store fined $45,000

A liquor store worker who was threatened, assaulted, called a "f***ing Indian" and "Indian dog" by his employer has been awarded $45,000 in damages.

Grant Bayldon: Nothing to hide, nothing to fear?

High-stakes battle against Isis for Tikrit

Fighting began in the key central Iraqi city of Tikrit, birthplace of the former dictator Saddam Hussein, as government forces and Shia militia launched a major assault to displace Isis jihadists.

Watchdog warns over ignoring rights

Governments increasingly view human rights as "a luxury" they can ill afford, Human Rights Watch said yesterday.

Vigil for condemned drug traffickers

Supporters are preparing a candelight vigil in Sydney as hopes fade the Bali Nine duo will escape an Indonesian firing squad.

Kurds claim Kobane clear of Isis

Kurdish militias claimed to have driven Isis (Islamic State) jihadists from the Syrian town of Kobane, after an intense four-month battle that killed thousands but captured the world's imagination.

Inge Woolf: The rising global tide of anti-Semitism

In Europe and even parts of the United States, Jews report rising levels of the "oldest hatred". And we aren't immune from the subject here in New Zealand, writes Inge Woolf.

Praise clashes with Saudi princesses' tale

Late Saudi King Abdullah was hailed as "a strong advocate for women" - so why are four of his daughters reportedly under house arrest?

Kathy Marks: Death by 1000 political cuts

Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan are, by all accounts, model prisoners.

Tim McBride: Freedom of expression a right we must protect

The right to freedom of expression is one of our fundamental rights.

Stars fight to free Guantanamo inmate

The family and supporters of "one of the most abused prisoners in Guantanamo" has launched a new celebrity-backed campaign demanding his release, coinciding with the publication of his prison diary.

Bali Nine pair wait for word on execution

There is no word yet on Australian Andrew Chan's fate as Indonesia risks diplomatic tensions with its plans to execute more drug offenders this year.