Introduction 1. The New Zealand Human Rights Commission is New Zealand’s National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). It is accredited as an “A” status NHRI. One of the Commission’s functions pursuant to section 5(2)(kc) of the Human Rights Act 1993 is “to promote and monitor compliance by New Zealand with, and the reporting by New Zealand on, the implementation of international instruments on human rights ratified by New Zealand.” 2. The Commission welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for the purposes of New Zealand’s fourth periodic review under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (“ICESCR”). 3. Many New Zealanders have high standards of living by international standards. However, the extent to which social, economic and cultural rights are realised is heavily influenced by factors such as family status and economic advantage. Single parent families and people in low paid jobs or who are unable to obtain work are less likely to have adequate housing or enjoy a reasonable standard of living. Discrimination is also evident, with Māori, Pasifika, women and girls, migrants, refugees and disabled people experiencing markedly worse outcomes across a range of key socio-economic indicators. 4. In order to advance social, economic and cultural rights, and reduce disparities in a sustainable manner, the New Zealand Government will need to demonstrate a more tangible legislative and policy commitment to meeting its obligations under ICESCR. 5. This submission sets out the key issues that must be addressed in order to improve ICESCR compliance. It is cross referenced against relevant Covenant articles, matters raised in the Committee’s List of Issues Prior to reporting (“LOIPR”) and Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 goals. A full summary of recommendations that the Committee may wish to make to the New Zealand government is provided separately as an appendix. 3