A presentation from Human Rights Based Approaches

HRBAP Rights Based Programming is a way of approaching development that sets the achievement of human rights as an objective of development. “ short-term programme objectives in the context of longer term goals seek to fundamentally change deeply rooted conditions that perpetually undermine the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) ” (UNICEF, 2003).

Based on the values, standards and principles captured in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent legally binding human rights conventions/treaties. It not only defines the subjects of development, but it also translates people ’ s needs into rights, recognizing the human person as the active subject and claim-holder identifies the duties and obligations of those against whom a claim can be brought to ensure that needs are met. transformative potential of human rights to alleviate injustice, inequality and poverty. Human rights are moral norms, standards of accountability and weapons in the struggle for social justice.

A human rights-based approach constitutes a holistic framework methodology with the potential to enrich operational strategies in key focus areas (UNDP, 2001). It brings in legal tools and institutions – laws, the judiciary and the rule of law principle - as a means to secure freedoms and human development. A human rights-based approach is not only about expanding people ’ s choices and capabilities but above all about the empowerment of people to decide what this process of expansion should look like (UNDP, 2001).

HRBAP It is further based on the recognition that real success in tackling poverty and vulnerability requires giving the poor and vulnerable a stake, a voice and real protection in the societies where they live.

HRBAP Adopting a human rights-based approach may not necessarily change what we do, but it will raise questions about how we do it. As stated before, a human rights- based approach provides both a vision of what development should strive to achieve (to secure the freedom, well-being and dignity of all people everywhere), and a set of tools and essential references (human rights standards and principles).

HRBAP Rights-based approach expresses development challenges not in terms of human needs, or of developmental requirements, but in terms of society ’ s obligations to respond to the inalienable rights of individuals (Muchabaiwa, 2007). Empowerment to influence development and to claim their rights. Approach is anchored on compassion, solidarity and a desire for justice rather than benevolence. underlying belief is that there cannot be human rights based society without individuals who have internalized human rights ethics, philosophy, and politics (Jonsson, 2003)..

HRBAP Finally the Human Rights Based Approach to programming aims at building the capacity of the vulnerable community so that they can make an assessment of their situation, be able to analyse why there are in that state of situation and finally to propose and take actions that address their specific problems (The Triple A Process

HRBAP HRBAP vs Needs Needs are met and satisfied e.g. giving boreholes toilets Rights are realized, respected, protected, facilitated and fulfilled e.g. decision making on service level technology,pricing Needs do not imply duties or obligations although they generate promises Rights imply correlative duties or obligations Can be met by goal or outcome strategies Can be realized by attention to outcome and process Ranked in ahierachy of priorities Indivisable, interdependent Charity or benevolenceCharity or benevolence does not reflect duty or obligation

Key principles in HRAP Universality, non discrimination and dignity Key operational principles responsibility, accountability,participation, transparency,empowerment and sustainability

Key principles Indivisibility ( all have equal status,inherent with dignity of each person) Interdependence and interrelatedness ( depends wholly or in part on realization of other rights ) Equality and non discrimination ( all individuals are equal) Participation and inclusion ( all are entitled to active, free and meaningful participation ) Empowerment ( process in which peoples capacities to demand & use their rights grows)

Key principles Accountability and the respect for the right of law (identify rights holders and duty bearers. Rights based approaches promotes the development of laws, institutions to ensure fulfilment of entitlements.

Advantages of rights based approaches  The approach is anchored on solidarity, which empowers people and enhances their capacity to improve the quality of their lives while charity often dis- empowers the poor and the vulnerable Human rights programming entails the building of community capacity for people to understand their rights, to claim their rights, and to make meaningful contribution to realizing these rights. Facilitating participation in societal decision-making is an

advantages Participation is an objective in itself. Participation of women and children in decision making processes strengthens ownership and gives the marginalized a voice hence sustainability. Involving the marginalized in decision making processes means the supposed beneficiaries guide the key investment decisions. The more a community decides what it wants for itself, the more it sees the system as its own and is able to sustain the interventions. HRBAP implies a people centered approach to development 

advantages The HRBAP enhances transparency and accountability by public officials and consequently leads to good governance Furthermore, the approach emphasizes accountability of those with duties or obligations and the obligation must be constantly checked. This implies monitoring and evaluating at all levels of the project or programme.. It cuts on inefficiencies and adopts effective approaches to programmes or projects

Thank you

Buzz groups Could you buzz with your partner and indicate how in your respective organisations you have operationalized CRC and CEDAW. How have these tow instruments provided and enabling environment for your work What are the challenges that you are facing. In plenary present for half a minute