Framework to promote, protect, and monitor implementation of the UNCRPD
This page explains New Zealand's framework for promoting, protecting and monitoring the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Article 33 – National implementation and monitoring
Article 33 of the UNCRPD requires governments to establish a framework to promote, protect, and monitor implementation of the UNCRPD. This framework involves people and organisations within and outside government, including disabled people and their representative organisations.
Article 33 – National implementation and monitoring – UN website external URL
In October 2010, the Government announced how New Zealand would meet its obligations under Article 33.
Disability Issues Minister media release on New Zealand's Article 33 framework external URL
Government mechanisms – focal point and coordination
These Government mechanisms fulfil the requirements of Article 33(1).
The Ministerial Disability Leadership Group (MDLG) helps to drive action for disabled people across government and oversees implementation of the UNCRPD. Its members include Ministers responsible for key areas that affect disabled people’s lives. The Minister for Disability Issues chairs the MDLG.
The MDLG also engages with the Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM).
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha works across government, businesses and communities to improve outcomes for disabled people and implement the UNCRPD. Whaikaha also:
- coordinates the all-of-government response to the UNCRPD Committee’s recommendations
- leads work on several recommendations
- supports the Minister for Disability Issues to report annually to Cabinet on progress.
Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM)
To meet New Zealand’s commitments under Article 33(2) and 33(3), an Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) was established in October 2011.
The IMM promotes, protects, and monitors implementation of the UNCRPD. It has 3 members:
- Te Kāhui Tika Tangata – Human Rights Commission
- the Office of the Ombudsman
- the Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition.
Monitoring reports on the implementation of the UNCRPD
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata – Human Rights Commission
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata – Human Rights Commission promotes and protects human rights in New Zealand. It also monitors and reports on how New Zealand is meeting its international human rights obligations.
The Disability Rights Commissioner, who is part of the Human Rights Commission, leads work to advocate for disabled people’s rights in New Zealand.
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata – Human Rights Commission external URL
Office of the Ombudsman
The Ombudsman:
- looks into complaints about government agencies
- investigates problems
- helps agencies improve their practice.
A key part of its role is helping ensure disabled people are treated fairly and that the government puts the rights in the UNCRPD into practice.
Office of the Ombudsman external URL
The Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition (DPO Coalition)
The DPO Coalition is a group led by disabled people that works together to advocate for disability rights in New Zealand. It was created to fulfil the role that UNCRPD Article 33(3) gives to disabled people in monitoring disability rights.
Its main role is to strengthen the collective voice of DPOs so the rights in the UNCRPD and related agreements are put into practice.