38. The Commission recommends that the government commit to: (a) developing an agreed set of key human rights indicators; (b) systemically collecting data across these indicators; and (c) ensuring that this data is disaggregated sufficiently to measure the impact on groups vulnerable to systemic disadvantage. E. Promotion and protection of human rights on the ground: domestic implementation of international human rights obligations Participation 39. Despite having a strong commitment to democratic principles, the Canterbury earthquake recovery has highlighted the fragility of some human rights protections. People affected by the earthquakes are limited in their opportunities to participate in problem identification, solution design and decision-making in issues which affect their lives. Difficulties are faced in the provision of full and timely information relevant to decisionmaking, and clear timeframes and transparency from decision-making authorities. Limitations on meaningful participation and the uncertainty faced by many Cantabrians are factors contributing towards deteriorating standards of mental health and wellbeing. The Canterbury experience is symptomatic of a wider trend to move towards centralised governance, progressively removing the voice of those affected from the decision making process. 40. Participation issues overlap with accessibility issues. The Canterbury context shows there is a gap in understanding and effort in New Zealand to ensure that minimum standards are in place to provide accessibility for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. Consistent with Article 9 of the CRPD, this means accessibility to the physical environment, transport, to information, communications and technology systems, and to both rural and urban public facilities and services. 41. Since the official launch of the Open Government Partnership in 2011, over 50 governments have come together with civil society and the private sector to further to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance and support the implementation of multilateral commitments. New Zealand remains notably absent from this initiative. 42. The Commission recommends that New Zealand: (a) commit to open, transparent and participatory governance and actively engage with the Open Government Partnership; and Page 29 of 35