Constructive accountability has three stages: • Monitoring – collecting information and data on progress – is the first step. • • Independent review of whether New Zealand’s housing system measures up to minimum human rights standards and whether we are delivering on the promises that have been made. Remedial action – if the system falls short, local and central government must take action to put things right and make changes for the future. One of the main ways to ensure that duty bearers act is to hold them accountable. We need better accountability mechanisms – independent bodies with the authority to monitor, review, and evaluate the performance of duty bearers in our housing system. For example, this could look like a Housing Ombudsman or Commissioner alongside an independent Māori Housing Authority. If housing matters to you, we encourage you to use human rights language. Call for your human right to a decent home to be made real by those in power, and demand accountability from your elected officials who have these key human rights obligations. You have the right to get involved – share what you know, take opportunities to participate on housing issues that are important to you, and use your voice individually and collectively to ensure government delivers on its human rights promises. Some possible actions for individuals, communities and advocacy organisations: • Learn about your rights, including the right to a decent home, and share what you know with your whānau, flatmates, workmates, and communities. Our resource kit also includes posters and other straightforward guidance to help support your learning. • Engage with your elected representatives to highlight how the right to a decent home matters to you and ask them to show what they are doing to meet their human rights obligations. Our tools and resources include templates for emails you can send to MPs to highlight the importance of the right to a decent home. • Take opportunities to participate on housing issues that are important to you. If you aren’t sure what you want to say, think about the key features of the right to a decent home and how they show up in this issue. You can also reach out to your local housing campaigners or advocacy groups to see if they are organising community engagement. • Consider getting involved in housing advocacy – joining a housing advocacy group or network, or signing on to campaigns for law change. The right to a decent home includes a right to meaningful participation Inclusive participation is an essential feature of the right to a decent home. Everyone has the right to participate in decisions that affect their right to adequate housing, and participating in housing decision making – for example, in a policy development process – helps to ensure that the process is inclusive and accessible. The point of human rights-based participation is to empower individuals and communities to actively influence the decisions, policies, rules, and conditions that directly affect our lives. When we don’t include everyone, we miss opportunities to improve our housing system. By centring human rights and embracing a comprehensive approach to participation, we seize opportunities to enhance our housing system and uphold the fundamental right to a decent home for all. The right to a decent home in Aotearoa – for individuals, communities, and advocates 7