The Human Rights Commission says it's keeping a close eye on the Christchurch City Council as the governing body looks to reduce key infrastructure in the city's Red Zones.

The council is considering cutting back key services such as roading, water, and wastewater.

Councillors will consider a report this week which recommends doing away with infrastructure that's no longer needed, in a bid to cut costs.

The services currently cost the council over $3 million a year. Around 74 homes are still occupied on land in the Brooklands and Avon red zones .

When asked to provide comment, the Human Rights Commission told Newstalk ZB it was watching the situation closely to see how it unfolds.

However, a human rights lawyer says Christchurch red zone residents are unlikely to have a leg to stand on legally.

Because the red-zone has been deemed unsuitable for residential space, Michael Bott said reducing services is unlikely to result in a breach of human rights.

"Rights themselves can be limited when the limitation is demonstrably justified."

Bott said it's difficult to imagine a human-rights based case, especially when the reason behind it appears justified.

"There are strong budgetary and practical issues that will guide the Christchurch City Council and the way they resolve this issue."

"You can't just keep digging into funds that aren't there."