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A Rights-based approachin relief and development (RBA)

1. The international vision

2. Application to Child Rights : the example of Save The Children

3. What is the added value ?

Length of session : 1 hr

Basic Introduction TrainingBasic Introduction Trainingjune 2007

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A rights-based approach in relief and development :

- applies to every aspect of the work and issues, including to disability

- it is an approach, a “philosophy”

- in concrete terms, it consists in using a Human Rights interpretative framework (a way at looking at the matters)

What are we talking about ?

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5 key notions

The international vision (UN)

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Definition of objectives in terms of rights that are legally enforceable through international legal instruments

Rights are indivisible and interdependent : civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights

Concern all fields : health, education, accommodation, justice, security, political participation...

Impossible to choose between development and human rights.

1. A permanent reference to rights (the reference)

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Identify the « rights-holders » and the « duty-bearers ».

2. Concept of accountability (the rules of the game)

In our case, right-holders are…

Duty-bearers are…

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Identify the « rights-holders » and the « duty-bearers ».

In our case, right-holders are…People with disabilities

Duty-bearers are…

The State, which is accountable for the respect of rights

Policy-makers (on disability, physical accessibility, etc.)

Professionnals (health, social, administrative sectors…)

Parents (on issues like education, etc.)…

2. Concept of accountability (the rules of the game)

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Promote locally the creation of :

- a legislative and institutional framework,

- systems for ensuring this approach is applied

- references for assessing the distance covered.

2. Concept of accountability (the rules of the game)

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Strategies for empowerment given preference over charitable responses.

Empowerment is a dynamics, a process in which people with disabilities develop a capacity to increase their participation, to reach an equality level with “powered” categories

It allows for broader choice and more control over their own life.

3. Empowerment (the goal)

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Objective : to give people the capacities, the capabilitiesand the access needed to improve their own lives and influence their own destinies.

=> A necessary stage towards equalisation of opportunities

(Capabilities : opportunities to make a real choicebetween different options for their life)

3. Empowerment (the goal)

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This approach requires the active, free and meaningful participation of the people concerned.

Due attention is given to accessibility and proximity.

Participation must be real in the design of projects andin the choice of methods and techniques.

4. Participation (the main method of action)

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Particular attention is given to non-discrimination, equality, and equity.

Incorporates express safeguards against threats to the rights of the most vulnerable.

5. Non-discrimination and attention to vulnerable groups (the most important principle)

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An application to Child RightsThe example of Save The Children

Assistanceand charity

“Needs-based” approach to development

Human rights advocacy focus

Rights-based approach

to development

Meeting needs

Meeting needs

Addressing

causes

Respect of Human

Rights

Duty-bearers required to fulfil their

responsibilities

Respect of Human

Rights

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Meeting needs

Addressing

causes

+Duty-bearers required

to fulfil their responsibilities

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Central ideas :

Identifiy right-holders and duty-bearers.

STC has defined its own “rights-based programming”, using for example an analysis approach based on responsibility

The terms of the problem are :Which right is being flouted ?

An application to Child RightsThe example of Save The Children

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Analysis based on responsibility

An application to Child RightsThe example of Save The Children

• Who has responsibility in ensuring this right is respected ?

• Which responsibilities are not being assumed ?

• What are the obstacles to this right being respected ?

• How can we ensure this right is respected ? (overcome obstacles, obtain guarantees from duty-bearers)

• Definition of priorities : who or what can make the most changes ?

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What is the added value ?

… as presented to you ?

Reflection and debate in small groups

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For people with disabilities : a successful conclusion to the process that transfers their status from that of '"object" to that of "subject".

Actions on their behalf is no longer a question of charity but becomes an obligation.

Responsibility, empowerment, participation bring the promise of more sustainable and more rational development processes over the long-term.

What is the added value ?a UN answer

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It is based on universal normative references that are clear and accessible to everyone – as opposed to arbitrary or ideological positions.

It provides a more complete and rational framework of analysis and action. Includes safeguards against unintentional harm that may be caused.

It reinforces respect for human rights as a priority.

It integrates « good governance » in a holistic approach (focus on participation, equity, sustainability, eradication of poverty, multi-sectorial employment).

What is the added value ?