Paul Hunt named new Chief Human Rights Commissioner in wake of sexual harassment scandal

Tuesday, 2 October 2018

Justice Minister Andrew Little talks about the breakdown in the culture of the Human Rights Commission.

Professor Paul Hunt has been named new Chief Human Rights Commissioner following a sexual harassment scandal at the organisation.

Earlier this year, Justice Minister Andrew Little said former chief commissioner David Rutherford would be replaced after a report found the commission was unable to provide proper care and support for a sexual harassment victim on its staff.

The review followed a sexual harassment incident in October 2017, where a young American woman cut short her internship after she was groped by the organisation's chief financial officer at a work party.

Justice Minister Andrew Little has named Professor Paul Hunt as new Chief Human Rights Commissioner

The minister announced Hunt's appointment on Tuesday afternoon. He is a human rights advocate and lawyer.

**READ MORE:

Former Human Rights commissioner David Rutherford was replaced by Andrew Little after a damning report into the organisation.

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* Analysis: The road to the truth about the Human Rights Commission

* Human Rights Commission failed following sexual harassment claims - review

* Human Rights Commission finance boss sexually harasses young intern, keeps job**

Hunt would join the commission from Essex University in Britain. Previously, he held several roles with the United Nations, including as a special rapporteur.

'Professor Hunt will lead the continued implementation of Judge Coral Shaw's recommendations in improving the internal processes within the commission,' Little said.

'The commission plays a vital role in holding the Government to account on its human rights record. It provides guidance on improving fairness, freedom, rights and dignity.'

Little also named Oranga Tamariki's Dr Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo as Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner.

Judge Shaw's review was launched by Little after Stuff revealed the groping scandal at the commission early this year.

'Her findings reveal a system that failed to provide proper care and support for sexual harassment claims made by staff,' Little said in May.

The review found some sexual harassment occurred within the commission, 'but was not prevalent or endemic'.

It also found the policy used to investigate the sexual harassment incident – The Dignity at Work policy – was 'aged and outdated'.

Rutherford said at the time the report was 'confronting to read,' and he took responsibility for the concerns raised by Judge Shaw.

'We apologise to all those who have been affected by what has happened, particularly the complainant,' Rutherford said.