5th Periodic Report under the International Covenant for Economic Social and Cultural Rights Feedback

Overview

The Government is preparing its latest report to the United Nations on economic, social and cultural rights in New Zealand.

New Zealand is one of more than 170 countries that have ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (the Covenant). The Covenant is a treaty that recognises the importance of a variety of rights such as health, education, working conditions and living standards. 

Countries that have signed the Covenant have to report periodically to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (the Committee). New Zealand's fifth periodic report is due in March 2025.

What would we like to hear from you about?

We are now seeking feedback on the draft report from people and organisations with an interest in economic, social and cultural rights, and human rights more broadly.

We want your feedback to help ensure the report is clear and accurate, and to determine if we should include any other information relevant to economic, social and cultural rights in New Zealand.

What is in the report?

The draft report, which covers the period from the last examination in March 2018 to March 2025:

• outlines relevant developments and measures adopted by the New Zealand government to give effect to the articles of the Covenant
• responds to previous recommendations made by the Committee. These can be seen here.

What will happen to the report?

Following submission of the report in March 2025, the Committee will develop a list of issues requesting further information.

New Zealand will have the opportunity to provide a response to the list of issues by 2027 ahead of an examination before the Committee in 2028.

People and organisations can also make submissions directly to the Committee on the issues they think this list should include. You can learn more about this process and the Committee here.

How to give feedback

Submissions are open from 12 December 2024 to 7 February 2025. You can submit:

• by completing an online survey (link below)
• by emailing humanrights@justice.govt.nz
• by post to:
  Human Rights Team
  Policy Group
  Ministry of Justice
  SX10088
  Wellington

Please note that your feedback may be subject to a request to the Ministry of Justice for information under the Official Information Act 1982. Personal details can be withheld under the Act, including your name and address. If you do not want any information you provide to be released, please indicate this clearly and explain why. For example, you may wish for some information to be kept confidential because it is sensitive personal information. The Ministry will take your views into account when responding to such requests. 

The Privacy Act 2020 also governs how the Ministry collects, holds, uses, and discloses personal information about you and the information you provide. You have the right to access and correct personal information. 

Supporting information

The Committee recommendations are accessible here

The draft report is accessible here

The version for screen readers and accessibility is available here

If you have any questions, please contact humanrights@justice.govt.nz. Please note the inbox will not be monitored between 21 December and 6 January.