Human Rights Based Approach to Development |
Rather than defining poverty as the absence of food, health or resources, a rights-based approach to development focuses on the well-being of an entire society, on the basis of the active and meaningful participation of its citizens. There is not one "rights based approach"; Any process that applies a number of core principles - aimed at ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights by all - can be termed rights based.
Adopting a rights based approach is not simply a question of introducing new projects and new language; it means changing the way you work. The principles of the Rights Based Approach are laid down in international - legally binding - treaties. They can be summarised as:
Explicit mention of rights
Accountability
Empowerment
Participation
Non-discrimination and attention for vulnerable groups
The Dóchas presentation and the Briefing Document can be found on the web:
