Submissions

The children's sector in New Zealand, incuding IHC, say inequities and discrimination remain significant issues, particularly for Māori children, Pasifika children and children with disabilities. New Zealand’s human rights record will be reviewed in January 2019 by the United Nation’s Human Rights Council as part of the third cycle of the UPR.

IHC says people with intellectual disabilities and their families need to be included in all initiatives aimed at reducing inequities, improving education and employment outcomes and addressing the social determinants of poor health.

IHC says the Bill is an opportunity to promote community wellbeing that is inclusive and takes into account the rights, needs and views of people with intellectual disability and their families.

IHC supports the development and implementation of a Child Wellbeing Strategy but says it needs to be broad and inclusive, based on children’s rights and clearly linked to other government initiatives affecting children with disabilities.

The children's sector, including IHC, want to make sure children with disability are visible, counted and included within the community of all children to improve children's wellbeing and reduce child poverty.

IHC says the Bill fails to balance the fundamental principles which underpin it; sanctity of life, respect for human dignity and autonomy, and protection of the vulnerable.

IHC comments on the lack of systems, procedures and supports by which people with intellectual disabilities can realise and enforce their rights; changes to the Disability Support System; and the realisation of certain rights for people with intellectual disabilities.

IHC says the government needs to increase access to health services and improve outcomes for disabled people with a specific focus on people with intellectual disability.

IHC, CCS Disability Action and Disabled Persons Assembly say the government needs to make sure that domestic violence protections and responses are accessible, and work, for disabled people.

IHC says the wellbeing and outcomes for disabled children, young people and their families depends on timely access to flexible, integrated, timely and quality services and supports, including access to universal services.