Cabinet Social Wellbeing Committee
Minute of Decision

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Report of the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights By Older Persons: New Zealand Response

Portfolio Seniors

On 23 November 2022, the Cabinet Social Wellbeing Committee:

1. noted that the United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons (the Independent Expert) visited New Zealand in March 2020 and subsequently issued a report setting out a range of recommendations;

2.noted that New Zealand responded by making a statement at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on 18 and 21 September 2020;

3. noted that there is no formal requirement to respond to the Independent Expert’s report, but
that many Member States do prepare a response;

4. noted that preparing a written response to the Independent Expert’s report presents an opportunity to strengthen New Zealand’s commitment to protecting the human rights of older people, and to profile work undertaken through the COVID-19 response and under the Better Later Life Strategy;

5. noted that the response attached under SWC-22-SUB-0217 represents a formal statement of government positions on the human rights of older persons in New Zealand, formulated by cross-agency contribution;

6. agreed that the response to the report of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons on her mission to New Zealand be submitted to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, subject to minor editorial, design and formatting changes by the Minister for Seniors;

7. noted that, subject to the approval of the United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, the response will be made publicly available by the United Nations.

Rachel Clarke
Committee Secretary

Attendance: 
Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
Hon Grant Robertson
Hon Kelvin Davis
Hon Dr Megan Woods
Hon Chris Hipkins
Hon Carmel Sepuloni (Chair)
Hon Andrew Little
Hon Poto Williams
Hon Willie Jackson
Hon Jan Tinetti
Hon Dr David Clark
Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan
Hon Meka Whaitiri