New Zealand The ACJ recommends that the New Zealand Human Rights Commission (NZHRC) urge its Government to address the following issues: • the need to adopt measures to ensure sufficient support for the training of early childhood education teachers; • the need to maintain current programmes and identify new initiatives to support the participation and success of Māori and Pacific students at all levels of the education system; • the need to adopt measures to improve literacy standards for boys and to improve their general engagement with the education system at all levels; • the need to adopt measures to support and strengthen special needs education programmes, resources and facilities; and • the need to adopt best-practice guidelines to support the participation of people with disabilities at all levels of the education system. Palestinian Territories The ACJ recommends that the Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens’ Rights (PICCR) urge its government to address the following issues: • the need to minimise the imposition of school fees and other education costs on parents and students; • the need to continue improving education infrastructure and facilities, including libraries, lecture halls, science laboratories, computer facilities, canteens and sports playgrounds; • the need to improve the accessibility of the education system for students with disabilities through the upgrading of school buildings and facilities; training of additional special education teachers; provision of Braille printers and sign language facilities; provision of appropriate transport options such as appropriately equipped school buses; and the provision of access to extra-curricular activities; • the need to adopt measures to reduce the level of drop-out rates by students; and • the need to adopt measures to provide education opportunities for pregnant teenagers. 23