The United Nations has concerns our government isn't doing enough to help the challenges faced by Maori.

In a new report, it points out the Treaty of Waitangi is not legally enforceable and not enough is being done to reduce domestic violence rates.

Victoria University law lecturer Carwyn Jones told Kate Hawkesby the report suggests New Zealand could do more to make sure the rights it's committed to are actually protected.

"In particular it identified the need for those rights to be more enforceable. It talked about perhaps the Waitangi Tribunal having some binding powers."

He says while we already know this - it's useful to get advice from independent experts to help protect those rights.

LISTEN ABOVE AS CARWYN JONES SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY