Paragraph 101 Human Rights Commission

receive and investigate complaints of breaches or infringements of any right or freedom contained in Part I of this Constitution or in international human rights treaties that have been extended to the Islands, and investigate such possible breaches or infringements on its own initiative;

provide advice to persons who consider that their rights or freedoms have been infringed;

provide a forum for dealing with complaints by mediation or conciliation or by making recommendations;

issue guidance on procedures for dealing with any complaints of breaches or infringements of rights and freedoms;

contribute to public education about human rights;

issue reports relating to human rights issues on its own initiative;

exercise such other functions, for the purpose of fulfilling its primary responsibility under subsection (2), as may be conferred on it by law.

represent or provide representation to parties to litigation, but this shall not prevent a member of the Commission appearing as amicus curiae when requested to do so by the court;

act in a judicial capacity or make binding recommendations as to whether any right or freedom contained in Part I of this Constitution or in any international human rights treaty has been breached or infringed;

compel any person to do anything against his or her will;

oblige a person to refer any complaint of a breach or infringement of any right or freedom contained in Part I of this Constitution to the Human Rights Commission; or

prevent a person from seeking redress directly from the Supreme Court in relation to any breach or infringement of a right or freedom contained in Part I of this Constitution, and the fact that any person had previously sought the assistance of the Commission with respect to any breach or infringement shall not prejudice any legal action.