What is the primary purpose of the Human Rights Act?

The primary purpose of the Human Rights Act is to review actions for violations of human rights. This legislation is designed to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals within a jurisdiction, ensuring that all persons can live with dignity and equality. It provides mechanisms for individuals to bring complaints against violations, enabling them to seek justice and redress.

The act typically outlines the rights guaranteed to individuals, such as the right to freedom from discrimination, the right to privacy, and the right to freedom of expression, among others. By reviewing actions that may infringe upon these rights, the Human Rights Act plays a crucial role in promoting social justice and accountability among public authorities and private entities.

In contrast, defining criminal activities is not the primary role of the Human Rights Act, as that function falls under criminal law legislation. Enhancing economic development and regulating international relations also fall outside the scope of a Human Rights Act, which is specifically focused on individual rights and the protection of those rights from infringement.