1 May 2012

United Nations calls for information on the status of New Zealand’s disabled people

A group of disabled persons organisations lead by disabled New Zealanders, known as the Convention Coalition, has commissioned a systemic monitoring report on the rights of disabled people in New Zealand. This report follows Disability Rights Promotion International principles and will be submitted to the NZ Government.

“This report will investigate six key areas which impact most strongly on the quality of life of disabled New Zealanders today. These include health, employment, social inclusion and a continuing lack of disability awareness,” said Rachel Noble, chair of the Convention Coalition.

The systemic monitoring report will combine feedback about the individual experiences of disabled people, an analysis of how disabled people are portrayed in the media, and a review of current legislation, policies and programmes.

“We will shortly launch an online survey and will be holding a series of meetings to gather as much information from disabled people as possible, about their experiences in the six key areas. This will all go into our report to the United Nations,” said Rachel Noble today.

The consultation with disabled people begins with a fono in Porirua on Friday 18 May, followed by a forum in Kilbirnie on Saturday 19 May.

ENDS

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