Justice Minister Amy Adams has become the first New Zealand minister to address the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The council is looking at how New Zealand is doing in terms of its commitment to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which includes the protection of children and the over-representation of Maori in the criminal justice system.
Ms Adams told Morning Report this country had to acknowledge some issues needed work - chief among them the high rate of family violence and assaults on children.
She said New Zealand could also take a leadership role, particular with other Pacific nations.
