Our Human Rights-Based Approach

What is Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA)?

A human rights-based approach (HRBA) is fundamental to achieving sustainable development & social change so that nobody is left behind. HRBA is a conceptual framework that:

• equates development to the realization of all human rights for all
• is based on international human rights standards and aims to promote and protect human rights
• views development as human development and socio-economic development
• emphasizes a more holistic, participatory and accountable process – not only results
• identifies rights holders and duty bearers and their capacities
• reinforces progress towards gender equality

The elements of HRBA include:

• Participation and inclusion​
• Accountability and transparency​
• Non-discrimination and equality​
• Empowerment​
• Links to human rights

Sustainable Development Goals and human rights

A human rights-based approach is fundamental to achieving sustainable development and social change. It leads to better and more sustainable human development outcomes​ and requires viewing situations and challenges through a holistic lens guided by international human rights principles and standards​.