Effective engagement of specific groups in decision-making affecting them and in the design of their communities During 2015/16 the Commission launched and implemented New Zealand’s National Plan of Action (NPA) online tool. Ongoing development and enhancement resulted in an updated tool with additional functions (including enabling users to create their own customised reports from the commission’s data) being launched in early March 2016. The NPA has been acknowledged internationally by an expert panelist on the Human Rights Committee, as part of its consideration of the sixth periodic report on New Zealand’s implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Commission attended New Zealand’s sixth periodic examination under the ICCPR by the United Nations Human Rights Committee in March 2016. An update to civil society, MPs and Government on the concluding observations of the ICCPR review was communicated to relevant stakeholders to address. Eleven direct recommendations made by the Commission have been adopted into the ICCPR concluding observations. The Commission intends to include the Government’s response to concluding observations from the various United Nations Treaty Bodies on the NPA online tool to monitor progress. The Commission also finalised the submission on the ICCPR. The United Nations Human Rights Committee has commended the Commission’s approach to review and work on security and intelligence issues as identified in the ICCPR concluding observations. The Committee accepted more than 60 percent of the Commission’s recommendations, including that the Government reports on its intention to meet the sustainable development goal on gender equality. During 2015/16 the Commission engaged with key stakeholders to progress the Government’s commitment to progress issues relating to sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex people. The Commission also contributed to a world-first publication, Promotion and Protecting Human Rights in relation to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics: A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) released by the Asia Pacific Forum of NHRIs. The culmination of meetings with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Christchurch Mayor has resulted in a shared understanding on how future recovery matters should be communicated. The Commission has also received advice that the approach to the red zone it has advocated for more than three years is now likely be implemented. A key achievement in 2015/16 was the Commission’s presentation on NHRIs remedying business and human rights disputes at the OECD Forum on Responsible Business Conduct. The Commission was the first NHRI to be asked to speak at this forum. Annual Report 2016 23