An online forum is being held to find out about how the government is progressing on implementing the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Disability Convention or UNCRPD).
The forum – ‘The Disability Convention: How is New Zealand doing?’ - is being hosted by the Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) made up of the Human Rights Commission, the Ombudsman and the Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition.
It is being held ahead of New Zealand’s second examination by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A subsequent forum report will inform the Committee on the status of disability rights here in Aotearoa.
Government ministers and officials are attending the forum and members of the public are invited to observe proceedings.
The forum examines issues raised in monitoring reports published by the IMM over the past two years. Making Disability Rights Real in New Zealand and Making Disability Rights Real in a Pandemic.
Sessions on Obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Poverty, and Equity and Access during Humanitarian Crises have been held this week.
Next week's sessions are:
April 5
Morning Session 9:00am-12:00pm -Integrity of the Person
Afternoon Session 1:00-4:00pm - Equality, Non-Discrimination, and Access to Justice
April 6
Morning Session 9:00am-12:00pm - Accessibility and Independence
Afternoon Session 1:00-4:00pm - Final Questions & Closing Remarks
Observers are able to send questions for consideration by a moderation panel at the beginning of each session.
For more information about how to access the forum as an observer, including the Zoom link and how o submit questions, see the Access Instructions for Observers (Word Doc)