Foreword Human rights gain in importance during relief and recovery efforts as they can safeguard the dignity of those affected. We know from experience, including from the Canterbury earthquakes, that ensuring a human rights-based approach to responding to disasters and emergencies is critical to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. Disaster response efforts must be guided by the principles of non-discrimination, participation and inclusion, accountability and transparency, respect for dignity and privacy, protection of vulnerable groups, and access to justice. This checklist aims to help busy local and national officials, and others, apply human rights and te Tiriti o Waitangi in their vital relief and recovery efforts. Human rights and te Tiriti can help all of us support and deliver for everyone affected by a disaster. Paul Hunt Chief Human Rights Commissioner 2