(b) That the initiatives committed to in the International Student Wellbeing Strategy and the International Education Strategy are implemented. Availability, accessibility and adequacy of social services for asylum seekers and refugees (LOT 21) 112. In 2016/2017 the Commission prepared a discussion document on the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights for asylum claimants and other people from refugee backgrounds84. 113. The discussion document concluded by stating: Employment, health, housing and education are now generally available to asylum claimants and people from refugee backgrounds on the same basis as nationals. The issue is around accessing associated services and entitlements promptly and easily. Perhaps the biggest issue that came through during our discussions was the fact that despite there being services available, and information on these being provided by Immigration New Zealand on its website and in hard copy to claimants, this information remains largely unknown. Even where it is known, we heard stories of government agencies not understanding their obligations to asylum claimants resulting in delays and/or inability to access services. Community groups such as the Asylum Seeker Support Trust and the Refugee Council of New Zealand have a significant impact facilitating access to the system and navigating the sometimes-confusing processes… …The adequacy and availability of mental health services and housing remains a concern. While available in theory, in practice there is no systemic framework to ensure that this is achieved. Systematic screening and treatment of asylum claimants by RASNZ or a similar qualified organisation as well as prioritised social housing would go a significant way to improving the situation. 114. A number of proposals were identified through the Commission’s interviews, surveys and discussions with the sector. These were intended to be targeted, pragmatic and achievable and included recommendations relating to systemic mental health screening, funding for the Asylum Seeker Support Trust Hostel, training for front line staff in government agencies and further research and development of outcome indicators. 115. Recommendation 14: That the Committee urges the New Zealand Government to ensure that all asylum seekers and people from refugee backgrounds have access 84 Human Rights Commission, Discussion paper: Treating asylum seekers with dignity and respect: The economic, social and cultural rights of those seeking protection in New Zealand, June 2017 p45-46; available at www.hrc.co.nz 27