Rights and responsibilities 18. When discussing human rights, the focus is usually on the rights (or ‘entitlements’) of individuals and the obligations (or ‘responsibilities’ or ‘duties’) of government. Although this understanding of human rights is very important, it is not the complete picture. 19. Human rights and Te Tiriti not only place obligations on national and local government, they also place responsibilities or duties on others. For example, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out a catalogue of rights and it adds, “everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of their personality is possible” (article 29(1)). For its part, Te Tiriti bestows “rights and duties of citizenship” (article 3). So, both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Te Tiriti place responsibilities on individuals. 20. This understanding has important implications for the right to a decent home. It means this human right, grounded in Te Tiriti, places responsibilities on government, the private sector and individuals. For example, the private sector has a responsibility to support Māori housing aspirations and needs, such as intergenerational living and care for Papatūānuku (the earth). Also, private landlords and tenants have a responsibility not to discriminate on prohibited grounds, such as disability, ethnicity, religion, age, gender or sexual orientation. 21. The following sections of the Guidelines outline (a) the rights of individuals, communities, hapū and iwi, and (b) the responsibilities of the government, private sector, landlords and tenants. Guideline 5: Te Tiriti and the right to a decent home not only place obligations on national and local government, they also place responsibilities on others, including the private sector, landlords and tenants. How can the Guidelines help? 22. Grounded in Te Tiriti, the right to a decent home has several constructive roles. For example, it can: a) empower individuals, hapū, iwi and communities; b) shape, deepen and strengthen housing policies and initiatives; c) hold accountable those with responsibilities arising from the right to a decent home grounded on Te Tiriti. 10