Auditor General, Health and Disability Commissioner, the Independent Police
Conduct Authority, and similar independent bodies established by Acts of
Parliament. These bodies are sometimes known as ‘integrity agencies’.
65. All significant housing initiatives must be subject to transparent, effective,
accessible and constructive accountability in relation to Te Tiriti and the right to a
decent home. This does not require an amendment to the New Zealand Bill of
Rights Act. Te Tiriti and the right to a decent home could be inserted into existing
housing legislation. Existing bodies could be given the capability and capacity to
hold accountable those with responsibilities to implement Te Tiriti and the right
to a decent home.
66. Also, if they wish, relevant integrity agencies could revisit and refresh their role in
relation to Te Tiriti and one or more aspects of the right to a decent home e.g.
non-discrimination, children, privacy or fairness.
Guideline 15: All significant housing initiatives must be subject to constructive
accountability i.e. initiatives must be assessed against the human right to a decent
home grounded on Te Tiriti. The review element of accountability should be
carried out by a political body, such as parliament or a local council, together with
one or more independent bodies, such as integrity agencies.
H. International assistance and cooperation
67. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals and human rights treaties, highincome countries, like New Zealand, have an obligation to provide international
assistance and cooperation to low-income and other countries in need. Global
inequality cannot be reduced without such support which includes development
aid, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
68. The government’s aid programme, and its delivery, must be consistent with New
Zealand’s human rights obligations. If the aid programme includes housing
initiatives, the government has a responsibility to ensure the initiatives are
consistent with the key features of the right to a decent home outlined in these
Guidelines.
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