c. Urgently implementing legislative and policy development processes and practices
that require ICESCR rights and the SDGs to be transparently considered and given
appropriate weight in all relevant resource allocation and policy decisions. This
should be accompanied by comprehensive human rights training for all relevant
government officials.
d. Before December 2018, developing and implementing a strategy to meet the
targets. This strategy should be developed in accordance with the principles of
participation, accountability and non-discrimination to ensure that disadvantaged
and marginalized groups are better able to realise their socio-economic and cultural
rights. This includes disabled people, women and girls, Māori, Pacific people and
refugees.
Treaty of Waitangi
ICESCR Arts: 1 | 2
LOIPR Paras: 1 | 5
SDGs: 10 | 16
13.
The Treaty of Waitangi (1840) is New Zealand’s founding document. It has major
significance for human rights and harmonious relations between indigenous and
non-indigenous New Zealanders. The Treaty is strongly aligned with New Zealand’s
international human rights obligations and the UN Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The four articles of the Treaty reflect fundamental
human rights principles. The Treaty provides a key mechanism for ensuring the
realisation of economic, social and cultural rights for indigenous New Zealanders.
14.
The place of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements
was also considered through the Constitutional Review process. The Panel made a
number of recommendations regarding the Treaty, and its role, aimed at
strengthening its position within New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements.6
15.
Alongside the work of the Constitutional Advisory Panel, the independent Iwi Leaders
Forum carried out wide-ranging consultation and issued its own report. The report,
Matike Mai Aotearoa7, recommended further public discussion about a range of
potential constitutional models to reflect and uphold the Treaty of Waitangi and
indigenous rights.
6