the ICCPR. It was recommended the state seek ways to encourage women participation in these roles including through enhanced cooperation and dialogue with partners in the private sector. Although the part-time employment rate in New Zealand has almost doubled for men since 1986, women continue to have a higher part-time employment rate than men (23.1 per cent and 8.7 per cent, respectively). There was also pervasive inequality found between men and women in the sharing of power and decision-making at all levels. The current mechanisms in place were considered insufficient at all levels to address the advancement of women and the gender pay gap was criticised with average median levels of difference sitting at 10.6%. Immigrant rights Immigration in New Zealand is governed by the Immigration Act 2009. While, New Zealand generally complies with and exceeds international standards in terms of its legislation and policies where it regards race relations, barriers to employment and promotion continue to be one of the major issues facing migrants and refugees living in New Zealand. The Human Rights Commission cited that plight of migrant workers in New Zealand has received extensive mainstream media coverage on a range of issues including discrimination, exploitation and battles over work and entry visas. OECD guidelines The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises are recommendations on responsible business conduct that have been adopted by governments in the OECD (and some outside it). New Zealand joined the OECD in 1973 and became a signatory to the guidelines when they were first adopted by the OECD in 1976. The guidelines allow unions and other non-governmental organisations to hold multinational companies accountable for their behaviour. The guidelines cover a range of topics including: disclosure; human rights; employment and industrial relations. Although the guidelines are non-binding, they offer an opportunity to "name and shame" and to threaten the reputation of poorly behaving multinationals. Governments that have signed the guidelines are required to set up a National Contact Point to promote them. In New Zealand the National Contact Point is the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The National Contact Point is required to consider any allegations of a breach of the guidelines by a multinational company headquartered in a signatory nation. References External links NZ Government employment website International Labor and Employment Laws: New Zealand Human rights in New Zealand Labour relations in New Zealand