Submission of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission to the 18 th session of the Human Rights Council;
New Zealand’s Second Universal Periodic Review.
That all applicants for pre-qualification for Social Housing Fund grants be required to undertake to
provide accessible housing using the Lifemark Design Standards (or an alternative certification
process with at least as robust standards).
Recommendation 17
That all government agencies ensure their own and government funded initiatives, for which they
are responsible, comply with the Government web standards for accessibility and other accessible
information and communication requirements.
Recommendation 18
That the Government web standards become mandatory for all territorial authorities, district health
boards, other Crown entities and organisations receiving substantial government funding.
Recommendation 19
That all state sector agencies develop internal guidelines for communication with disabled people,
including making information available in accessible formats.
Recommendation 20
That the Ministry of Justice review the Adoption Act, with particular consideration given to whether
section 8 complies with the Disability Convention.
Recommendation 21
That as part of the Government’s work in relation to vulnerable children, sections 141, 142, and
144(2) of the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act are repealed to ensure that disabled
children have the same rights as other children when an out of home placement is being considered.
Recommendation 22
That the Government further extend NGO-led intensive wraparound support programs for disabled
children, in partnership with DPOs.
Recommendation 23
That the Government establish an enforceable right to inclusive education.
Recommendation 24
That the Ministry of Education implement whole of school anti-bullying programmes that ensure
that schools are safe and nurturing places for disabled students.
Recommendation 25
That the Ministry of Education establish initiatives that promote the value of difference and affirm
the identity of disabled students.
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