Human Rights Based Approach
in the r u NbS programme
HRBA
in r u NbS
Under the r u NbS programme the the Human Rights-based Approach (HRBA) is applied in order to contribute to more inclusive, equitable, and aligned with universal human rights principles programme outcomes.
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Read below what the HRBA entails and why as well how the team is applying HRBA in the r u NbS programme.
What
The Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) is a framework for development that integrates human rights principles and standards into all aspects of development processes. HRBA shifts the focus from only providing services or resources to addressing structural inequalities, enabling people, and ensuring that development efforts respect, protect, and fulfil human rights.
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​​Principles of HRBA
Participation
Ensures that all stakeholders, especially those who are often marginalised, have meaningful involvement in decision-making processes.
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Accountability
Identifies duty-bearers (typically governments and other powerful entities) and holds them accountable for respecting and fulfilling human rights.
​​Transparency
Promotes openness and clear communication, ensuring that information is accessible and comprehensible to everyone affected.
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​​Empowerment
Focuses on building the capacity of individuals and communities to know and claim their rights.
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Non-Discrimination and Equality
Seeks to eliminate discrimination and inequality, ensuring equal access to opportunities and benefits for all.
Duty-Bearers and Rights-Holders​
Duty-Bearers
Duty-bearers are the individuals, institutions, and entities obligated to uphold, protect, and fulfill human rights. Typically, these duty-bearers have the authority and resources to influence policies, deliver services, and ensure justice and accountability. Duty-bearers are primarily governmental bodies, but other entities, such as private sector organisations, development agencies, and community leaders, can also have responsibilities in specific contexts.
Primary Duty-Bearers
Primary duty-bearers are usually state actors, as governments bear the primary responsibility to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights under international law. This includes national and local government agencies as well as officials within these institutions.
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Secondary Duty-Bearers
Secondary duty-bearers are entities or organisations that may not have a legal obligation under international law but are in a position of influence and responsibility to promote and support human rights. These can include development agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.
Rights-Holder
Rights-holders are individuals or groups who possess legitimate claims to basic human rights, such as the rights to health, education, clean water, and a safe environment. Rights-holders include all individuals, as they are inherently entitled to human rights; however, certain groups may be more vulnerable and thus have specific needs or require targeted attention to ensure their rights are upheld.​​
​Rights-Holders’ Role in HRBA
In HRBA, rights-holders are not passive recipients of services but active agents who are empowered to claim their rights and participate in decision-making processes. This approach transforms them into participants in development rather than beneficiaries, which strengthens the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions.
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Goals of HRBA
Enhanced Social Justice
By prioritising fairness and justice, HRBA works toward equitable access to resources, services, and opportunities.
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Sustainable Development
By empowering communities to advocate for their rights, HRBA fosters development outcomes that are resilient and lasting.
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Inclusivity and Equity
HRBA ensures that everyone, especially those who are marginalised, benefits from development efforts, which ultimately promotes social cohesion and stability.
​​WHY HRBA in r u NbS
Participation
Ensures that all stakeholders, especially those who are often marginalised, have meaningful involvement in decision-making processes.
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Accountability
Identifies duty-bearers (typically governments and other powerful entities) and holds them accountable for respecting and fulfilling human rights.
HOW HRBA in r u NbS
Participation
Ensures that all stakeholders, especially those who are often marginalised, have meaningful involvement in decision-making processes.
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Accountability
Identifies duty-bearers (typically governments and other powerful entities) and holds them accountable for respecting and fulfilling human rights.