Responses and recommendations for a human rights-based approach to poverty in working households in Aotearoa New Zealand amid the COVID-19 pandemic [H]uman Rights … focus our attention on who is suffering most, why, and what can be done about it. … Human rights put people centre-stage. … Human rights are key in shaping the pandemic response … and the broader impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.46 Human rights law provides us with a framework for analysis and a basis for responding to issues such as poverty in working households and the foreseeable exacerbation of our in-work poverty problem in Aotearoa New Zealand due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NZWRI Research provided the data and findings that can help public policymakers better assess the characteristics of working households that are struggling to make ends meet. This report seeks to take that one step further and to put on the table some possible recommendations for further consideration, and to provide human rights-based guidance for those responses. As highlighted by the NZWRI Research, the transient nature of the poverty experience for working households shows that in-work poverty responds to interventions.47 Astute policy initiatives, in line with the response framework outlined above and consistent with a human rights based approach, could work to address the impacts of poverty in working households in Aotearoa New Zealand and alleviate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Policy responses are needed to address the range of challenges ahead. Measures are needed to: • Plan to eradicate poverty in working households • Keep people employed in fair employment conditions • Create jobs that realise the right to decent work and fair working conditions • Increase earnings and fair remuneration • Enhance workforce skills through education and training • Strengthen the social security net • Enhance housing affordability and security of tenure • Raise awareness and reduce stigma to enhance human dignity • Facilitate a ‘just transition’ and ‘just recovery’ Numerous recommendations have been made by experts and other groups tasked with addressing some of these challenges. The Human Rights Commission has supported and advocated for many of these recommendations, and provides below some examples of such recommendations. A human rights based response to issues such as poverty in working households and the impacts of the global pandemic requires us to apply human rights principles (indivisibility, accountability, equality, non-discrimination, participation, transparency, sustainability, and certainty) and to take steps to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights so as to avoid exacerbating and contribute to alleviating poverty in working households. This human rights-based approach needs to be applied within the context of our Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, including upholding Tiriti partnership, protecting and enabling rangatiratanga and advancing equity for Māori. • Facilitate greater workforce participation and diversity He Urupare Tika Tangata mō te Pōharatanga ō ngā Whānau Whaimahi 19