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Human rights based approaches in EU development policies
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A joint initiative of the International Federation Terre des Hommes, Action Aid International, Amnesty International EU Office, and the International Human Rights Network exploring the application of human rights based approaches to EU development policies.
The four partners have commissioned a briefing
paper to explore the application of human rights based approaches to
development in EU external aid policies, to be launched in Spring 2008.
As the largest development donor in the world, the European Union is
committed to ensuring that "Human rights is at the forefront of EU
Development Cooperation" while similar commitments to its humanitarian
aid and Common Foreign and Security Policy. The policies flow from the
legal obligations of its Member States, as well as from EU treaty
provisions which recognise human rights as common values underpinning
EU partnership and dialogue with third countries.
The concept of human rights based approaches (HRBA) is contained in five legal principles, namely:
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Express application of the international human rights framework
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Empowerment of rights holders
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Participation in one's own development (as of right and not just as best practice)
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Non-discrimination and prioritisation of vulnerable groups; as well as
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Accountability of duty-bearers to rights-holders (for process and impact)
These legal and policy commitments of the EU
reflect a wider international consensus as regards the imperative to
apply HRBA to development (including the fight against poverty).
The briefing paper will explore how the EU
understands and integrates HRBA in its external development policies.
The process is intended to raise awareness and inform decision-making
by development actors, working with, and within, EU institutions. Key
questions include how can the institutions as well as NGOs and other
actors assist and ensure that these commitments are met.
The research is led by International Human Rights
Network (IHRN) and inputs as well as expressions of interest in the
process are invited to EU-HRBA@ihrnetwork.org
Implementing partners and other development partners of the EU are invited to complete the short questionnaire available here.
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