Source: Human Rights Commission
Five key events in 2022 were part of the diverse work of the disability rights team at Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission.
Omicron and easing of public health measure leads to fast-paced inquiry
A fast-paced inquiry into the support of disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori (Māori Disabled) and whānau during the Omicron outbreak, led to increasing Government engagement with the community and pre-empted more funding support for the well-being of disabled people.
Former Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero launched the inquiry in March 2022 out of concern that Omicron’s high rate of transmission, combined with the easing of public health restrictions, was putting disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori at greater risk than non-disabled people.
Published in April 2022, the Inquiry into the Support of Disabled People and Whānau during Omicron found many were experiencing high levels of stress and confusion, and their well-being was put at risk.
The Commissioner and disability advocates met with Government shortly after the inquiry was announced. In May 2022 the Social Development Minister announced specific funding for disabled people and stated the Government would be working with disabled people to decide the best support options.
IMM Forum – positives and negatives on show
Alongside the inquiry, the Commission’s disability rights team, as part of the Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) took a lead role in organising a national forum to assess how well the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is being fulfilled in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A range of issues were covered in eight online sessions including obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, experience of poverty and access to justice. The forum raised challenging questions and the IMM’s report was published by the Ombudsman in August.
Disability Rights: How is New Zealand doing? says disabled people’s human rights will not be fully realised until government agencies ‘own’ the disability convention – working together to make it happen and genuinely consulting with disabled people on legislation and policy.
Progress of disability rights in Aotearoa reviewed at United Nations
The report was published just prior to disability advocates, and the Minister for Disability Issues, Poto Williams, appeared before the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Geneva.
The UN committee welcomed positive developments such as the establishment of Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People and the commitment to extending Enabling Good Lives nationally. However, it also made many recommendations, including calling on the Government to work more effectively with the disabled community and raising concerns about ongoing the poverty and hardship endured by disabled people in Aotearoa – in particular tāngata whaikaha Māori and Pacific peoples.
Whaikaha – new Ministry of Disabled People begins
With a mixture of excitement and sadness the Commission farewelled Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero in August to be the inaugural chief executive of Whaikaha.
The new Ministry was set up in partnership with disabled community and tangata whenua to transform the lives of the one in four New Zealanders who are disabled. The ministry acknowledges disabled people and whānau face barriers to living a good life – and pledges to partner with the disabled community and tangata whenua.
EEO Commissioner Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo has stepped into the role of acting Disability Rights Commissioner until a new Commissioner is appointed. She recently spoked to Stuff news about how disabled workers are disproportionately affected by bullying and harassment in the workplace.
ERO report calls for more inclusive education
While there were some examples of good practice new research published by the Education Review Office (ERO) in September found schools and early childhood services needed to do much more to support disabled learners.
Supported by the Commission and the Office for Disability Issues, the ERO research found disabled learners were often excluded from education. They were being discouraged from enrolling in schools and services, asked to stay at home, and stood down.
Disabled learners also felt excluded from school activities and their sense of belonging declined further as they progressed through education – almost a third of disabled learners were left feeling they did not belong at school.
Good education for disabled learners was possible and there were examples of good practice. These were found in schools in lower socio-economic communities and with high numbers of Māori students. To support the spread of good practice the ERO recommended a package of action to help disabled learners thrive in education.
Our commitment for 2023
The 2022 year has been both challenging and promising for disabled people, tangata whaikaha Māori and their whānau and community. The Government has sent a strong message of support with the launching of Whaikaha – and the UN has made strong recommendations for improvement.
We have clear pathways to realise the rights of disabled people – and a continuing commitment to realising positive change in Aotearoa.
