IHC welcomes the news that the Government’s Child Poverty Reduction Bill has received unanimous support from the Social Service and Select Committee, with cross party support.

The amended Bill will help ensure children with intellectual disabilities are considered as part of the community of all children, in work to enhance their wellbeing and reduce poverty, says IHC Director of Advocacy Trish Grant.

“Too often children with intellectual disabilities miss out when we talk about children’s issues. They are often also overlooked when disability issues are discussed,” says Trish.

“It is especially heartening to see the rights of children with intellectual disabilities acknowledged as both children, and as people with a disability.

“There is also an importance placed on having good data about children with disabilities, something IHC has previously advocated for.”

The Bill requires children’s rights under both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to be considered when developing the child wellbeing strategy.

“We strongly support the child related principles that have been introduced in the Bill; acknowledgement of the intrinsic value and inherent dignity of all children, commitment to upholding and respecting children’s rights and that children should be viewed in the context of their families, whānau, hapu, and iwi, other culturally recognised family groups, and communities.

“We also support the policy related principles around early intervention, evidence based policies and evaluation,” says Trish.

“We look forward to seeing the progression of the Bill and will monitor it through it’s second and third reading.”

ENDS

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