A Rights-based approach in relief and development ( RBA) The international vision Application to Child Rights : the exa

1. Basic Introduction Trainingjune 2007 A Rights-based approachin relief and development (RBA) • The international vision • Application to Child Rights : the example of Save The Children • What is the added value ? Length of session : 1 hr Catherine Dixon - may 2005

2. What are we talking about ? 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)

3. The international vision(UN) 5 key notions

4. 1. A permanent reference to rights (the reference) Definition of objectives in terms of rights that are legally enforceable throughinternational 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.

5. 2. Concept of accountability (the rules of the game) Identify the « rights-holders » and the « duty-bearers ». In our case, right-holders are… Duty-bearers are…

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

7. 2. Concept of accountability (the rules of the game) Promote locally the creation of : - a legislative and institutional framework, - systems for ensuring this approach is applied - references for assessing the distance covered.

8. 3. Empowerment (the goal) 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.

9. 3. Empowerment (the goal) 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)

10. 4. Participation (the main method of action) 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.

11. 5. Non-discrimination and attention to vulnerable groups (the most important principle) Particular attention is given to non-discrimination, equality, and equity. Incorporates express safeguards against threats to the rights of the most vulnerable.

12. An application to Child Rights The example of Save The Children

13. An applicationto Child Rights The example of Save The Children 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 ?

14. An application to Child Rights The example of Save The Children Analysis based on responsibility • 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 ?

15. What is the added value ? … as presented to you ? Reflection and debate in small groups

16. What is the added value ? a UN answer 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.

17. What is the added value ? 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).