This second report of the Disability Convention Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) details some of the experiences disabled people in New Zealand encounter each day. It highlights barriers that prevent the full realisation of the rights set out in the Disability Convention. The report also recommends steps that need to be taken to better respect, protect and fulfil those rights. The five key overarching issues the IMM has identified during the current reporting period are:
- data
- accessibility
- building a people driven system
- violence and abuse
- education.
The first part to this report also highlights four more specific matters of concern. These include the passing of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Amendment Act 2013. This legislation means people are no longer able to pursue complaints of unlawful discrimination in relation to the Government’s family care policy.
The other three issues are the reliance on substituted decision-making, serious health outcomes for disabled people and their right to family life.
The IMM partners trust this report will act as a powerful catalyst for change that will lead to further improvements in the daily lives of people with disabilities.