in the last four years, according to the latest statistics.

And it would appear women are making the most complaints, with nearly 25 percent of investigations being into cases of discrimination because of pregnancy.

Last year the Commission launched 142 investigations after receiving 989 complaints. That figure represents a 77-percent increase on 1994 when just 80 investigations were carried out.

Investigators examined 35 cases of discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy last year, with sexual harassment being the cause of another 21 complaints.

Sex was the cause of an additional 16 complaints.

The Commission also investigated 18 complaints on the grounds of race -- the third most common complaint -- and a further nine cases in connection with place of origin. Nine racial incitement cases -- in which racial words are uttered in a public place -- were also investigated.

And even former criminals had cause to complain. The Commission investigated three complaints from people who claimed they were discriminated against because they possessed a criminal record.

Statistics on the number of complaints that were actually upheld are currently not available.

Investigation officer David Wilson explained that the vast majority of complaints were employment related, with complainants claiming they had not been hired or promoted.

And he added that the increase in the number of complaints was probably due to the fact that people were becoming more aware of what their rights were.

"I think the number of complaints has increased because one of the mandates of the Human Rights Commission is education,'' he said.

"People are becoming more aware of what their rights are and becoming more determined to protect those rights -- we realise that they are sacrosanct.

"But cases, particularly of racial discrimination, are very difficult to prove, you have to get some really good evidence.

HRC investigations rise "It's not every case that goes the full distance. Sometimes cases are taken on and we get half way down the road and we realise that it may have to be dismissed because there's something defective or there's not sufficient evidence.

"Under the Human Rights Act we have to make sure that the complaint bears up, that it's genuine. If the complaint appears to be genuine, that's enough for us to launch an investigation.

"If a complaint is upheld, then the respondent has two choices -- if he accepts it, the next stage would be to make a settlement.

"But if he rejects it, then the Commission has two choices -- the matter can be sent to the Minister or it can be sent to the Attorney General.'' SURVEY SUR