In the First Half of 2004 Alone, 17 Discrimination Complaints Resolved during Investigation Stage; Age-Discrimination and Discrimination for Disability Cases Lead the Way
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has found that a growing number of discrimination-related complaints are resolved in the course of investigation. In such cases, during the NHRC investigation, the cause for petitioning is addressed; when the petitioner withdraws the case, the NHRC is, in accordance with the NHRC Act article 32:1:8, required to also「reject」 the case.
The numbers of discrimination-related cases that were resolved while under investigation rose from 7 cases in 2002, to 16 cases in 2003 and 17 cases for the first half of 2004 alone (until June 21). The growing success of voluntary compliance in the course of investigation can be attributed to: the efforts of NHRC investigators to persuade the related parties, the ability to bring about redress (「relief」) for victims of discrimination, cases involving the NHRC going to the scene of contention in order to spur removal of causes for the complaint, and the pro-active efforts of NHRC investigators to explain the processes and procedures under the NHRC Act and related legal provisions toward resolution of cases.
Analyzing the cases resolved in the course of investigation by the grounds for discrimination, we get the following categories: the most cases, 5, related to discrimination on the basis of age, followed by disability (3 cases), criminal record (2), social status (2),「other」 (2), gender (1), religion (1), and violation of equality rights (1). If we analyze the cases by type, they are as follows: discrimination in employment (7 cases), discrimination in the provision of goods and services (6 cases), discrimination in use of education facilities (1 case), and other (3 cases). –End.
