Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

DISABILITY ISSUES
Our vision
Labour‟s vision is of a country where disabled people have meaningful lives within their
communities based on respect and equality, where disabled people have their diversity
recognised and human rights protected. This is reflected in the motto “Nothing about us
without us”.
The New Zealand Disability Strategy, launched in 2001, set up this framework. The Strategy
was reviewed and the results published in August 2008. The shift in attitude towards a more
inclusive society was evidenced in this review. Our policy framework has been further
strengthened by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
New Zealand is a signatory to this Convention and is acknowledged for our work in leading
its development within the United Nations. The Convention is the first United Nations human
rights treaty of the 21 st Century. It makes it explicit that nations must ensure the full
realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all disabled people on an equal
basis with others and without discrimination of any kind.
Labour will ensure implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities.
Labour will consult with disabled people around areas of policy shortfall and
inadequacy.
New Zealand has been recognised for our leadership on Disability Issues internationally,
culminating with the receipt in 2007 of the Franklin D Roosevelt award for this role.
However, there is still a long way to go before all disabled people are living in a fully
inclusive society that values them and enhances their participation. This policy platform
aims to progress those goals.
A central part of achieving this will be listening to and respecting the voices and choices of
disabled people themselves.
Labour commits to the philosophy inherent in the motto “nothing about us without
us”. Labour will involve and resource people with disabilities and impairments to
participate in decision-making and will enable their voices to be heard and their
needs to be considered and met. The next Labour government will work in
partnership with disabled people, to ensure they are supported to participate in an
inclusive society.
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