Notice of independent monitoring mechanism

This is the notice from the Minister for Disability Issues that was published in the New Zealand Gazette on 13 October 2011. It sets out the Government decision on designating functions for independent monitoring of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The notice is on page 4448.

Whereas Article 33.2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (“the Convention”) requires that States Parties shall, in accordance with their legal and administrative systems, maintain, strengthen, designate or establish within the State Party a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms, as appropriate, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the Convention;

Now therefore I, The Honourable Tariana Turia, Minister for Disability Issues, give notice that the Government of New Zealand has designated an independent mechanism,comprising the following bodies and organisations, to monitor implementation of the Convention in New Zealand and to perform the additional functions stated in this notice:

(a) The Human Rights Commission established under the Human Rights Act 1993 within the scope of its functions under section 5 of that Act;

(b) the Ombudsmen established under the Ombudsmen Act 1975 within the scope of their functions under section 13 of that Act; and

(c) the disabled peoples’ organisations who are at any particular time members of the Convention Coalition operating under a Memorandum of Understanding signed on or about 31 March 2010 by:

(i) Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Incorporated;

(ii) Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand Incorporated;

(iii) Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand Incorporated;

(iv) the committee representing mental health consumers known as Nga Hau E Wha;

(v) Ngati Kapo O Aotearoa Incorporated; and

(vi) People First New Zealand Incorporated.

The additional functions of the independent mechanism are:

(a) developing indicators in consultation with public and private sector agencies;

(b) identifying priority areas drawing on their existing programmes of work;

(c) measuring progress by analysing legislation, policy, and practice affecting disabled people; and

(d) engaging with the government to establish a comprehensive reporting process in relation to the Convention that includes engagement with civil society, integration across public agencies, and clear accountability for publicising reports and following up recommendations.

Dated at Wellington this 4th day of October 2011.

HON TARIANA TURIA, Minister for Disability Issues.