Rights-based Approach
Ensuring that all our initiatives are grounded in human rights principles and work to protect and promote fundamental rights.
What is a Rights-based Approach?
A rights-based approach is a conceptual framework that integrates the norms, standards, and principles of international human rights law into our policies, programs, and processes. This approach identifies rights-holders and their entitlements as well as corresponding duty-bearers and their obligations.
By applying this approach, we aim to strengthen the capacities of rights-holders to make their claims and of duty-bearers to meet their obligations. This transforms the traditional dynamic of charitable giving into one of empowerment and justice.
Key Principles
Universality and Inalienability
Human rights are universal and inalienable, belonging to every person regardless of their background or circumstances.
Indivisibility
Human rights are indivisible. Whether civil, cultural, economic, political or social, they are all inherent to human dignity.
Equality and Non-discrimination
All individuals are equal and entitled to their human rights without discrimination of any kind.
Participation and Inclusion
Every person has the right to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy civil, economic, social, cultural and political development.
Implementation in Our Work
Case Study: Community Health Initiative
In our Community Health Initiative, we applied a rights-based approach by ensuring that health services were accessible to all community members regardless of their economic status. We worked with local authorities to identify barriers to healthcare access and advocated for policy changes that would recognize and fulfill the right to health for all community members.
Additionally, we ensured meaningful participation of community members in the design and implementation of the initiative, recognizing their right to have a say in decisions that affect their lives and health.
Related Strategic Approaches
Our rights-based approach works in tandem with our other strategic approaches:
- Evidence-based Approach - Ensures that our rights-based work is backed by data and research.
- Intersectional Approach - Recognizes that individuals may face multiple forms of discrimination in the realization of their rights.
- Participatory Approach - Ensures that rights-holders are actively involved in claiming and exercising their rights.