FOUNDATIONAL LEVEL

Human Rights Based Approach

Strengthen people's power

The course

Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) is a conceptual framework for the process of development that is normatively based on international human rights standards. Such an approach integrates these standards and principles into processes of program development in order to promote and protect human rights.

Discrimination and exclusion with regard to access to resources and decision-making are often root causes for poverty and may contribute to tensions and conflicts. During the past two decades, human rights have been increasingly incorporated into the development agenda, including through the adoption of a human rights-based approach. This approach seeks to analyze discrimination and inequalities that lie at the heart of development problems and to transform these practices and the underlying power dynamics. It is a paradigm shift, as it shifts the notion of development away from charity to one based on rights and corresponding obligations. This paradigm shift, which led to the HRBA stems from the experience of many NGOs and development organizations that the traditional welfare model of development cooperation is not sustainable.

During this training course, you will acquire the knowledge of fundamental concepts of the human rights-based approach to development including advocacy and social accountability. It will provide you with the requisite knowledge and skills which will help you strengthen the design and implementation of programs using a human rights-based approach.

For whom:

The course is designed for everyone working in civil society organizations who wants to learn the foundations of human rights- based approach and build critical skills for designing programs from a human rights perspective.

Course fees:

EUR 350/ person (plus VAT for EU residence)

*Special Discounts for groups and CSA alumni

15% group discount: 4 or more registrations from one organization

10% individual discount: For CSA alumni

Benefits

You will receive a Certificate of Participation
You will receive all the materials used during the training
You can apply for the advanced level to deepen your learning
You will become a part of CSA alumni community

What you'll learn

How to implement the theories and practice of HRBA
About the international regulatory framework via an HRBA. You will also have the chance to reflect on your own country’s human rights context
Concepts of Advocacy and Social Accountability including a few tools
To integrate the elements of HRBA including the principles of equity empowerment, participation and accountability into the programs and projects of your organization.

Session Plan

Day 1

Session 1: Welcome and Introduction to Human Rights Based Approach

Welcome and Introduction of Participants
Introduction to the course
The navigation tool for the workshop
Introduction to HRBA

Session 2: Introduction to HRBA II

Understanding Rights Based Approach vs Needs Based Approach
Concept of HRBA and Principles

Day 2

Session 3: Human Rights Legal Framework

Introduction to Human Rights and the International Bill of Rights
Obligations of the State
Understanding Rights Holders and Duty Bearers
Are your projects rights- based?

Session 4: Characteristics, Spaces and Roles of Civil Society for HRBA

Characteristics, Spaces and Roles of Civil Society for HRBA
Development Paradigm
Introduction to Social Accountability and Tools

Day 3

Session 5: Good Governance and Social Accountability Tools

Governance Triangle
Social Accountability Tools

Session 6: How to Approach an issue in a HRBA manner I

Identifying issues
Analysis and Research

Day 4

Session 7: How to Approach an Issue in a HRBA manner II

Strategic Planning using a HRBA template

Session 8: Evaluation and Way Forward

Self-Assessment-Am I ready for HRBA in programming?
Evaluation and Closing

Testimonials

“The course was very refreshing and inspiring! I felt great being part of a diverse group of like-minded people from different countries. This insightful exchange was of vital importance to my work.”

K.C. Sahu

Head, Livelihood, Indo-Global Social Service Society, India

Meet the facilitator

Sohini Paul

An experienced facilitator, trainer and coach (offline, online, and blended courses)

As a facilitator and coach of Civil Society Academy, she has focused on providing trainings and workshops on leadership and team management in several countries across Asia and Africa. She also facilitates trainings on advocacy and human rights-based approach.

Sohini has a Social Science background with master’s degrees in Geography and Regional Planning. She is a certified Life and Leadership Coach. She has more than two decades of experience in the development sector, during which time she supported the work of numerous social change organizations, working on issues of local self-governance, right to information and land rights. She has worked on capacity building of civil society organizations, from grassroots community groups to large networks.

Sohini is passionate about civil society strengthening and holds space for those who are ready to learn and be happy - this is reflected in her facilitation style.