Introduction

In the pursuit of truly transformative and sustainable development, the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to Programming has emerged as an essential framework for ensuring that all interventions are grounded in principles of human dignity, equality, and justice. HRBA shifts the focus from merely addressing needs to empowering individuals as rights-holders and states as duty-bearers, emphasizing participation, accountability, non-discrimination, and the rule of law. By explicitly integrating human rights standards and principles into the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs, organizations can ensure that initiatives not only deliver services but also strengthen the capacity of people to claim their rights and of duty-bearers to fulfill their obligations. Without a systematic application of HRBA, development efforts risk being superficial, perpetuating inequalities, or failing to address the underlying causes of vulnerability, ultimately hindering their ability to create lasting, equitable change. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master the Human Rights-Based Approach to Programming.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower program managers, human rights advocates, development practitioners, policy makers, and all those involved in social change initiatives with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to implement and manage projects using a robust Human Rights-Based Approach. Participants will gain a deep understanding of human rights principles, explore various analytical frameworks for identifying rights violations and duty-bearer gaps, learn about designing programs that empower rights-holders, and acquire skills in monitoring and advocating for rights fulfillment. The course will delve into topics such as international human rights frameworks, stakeholder analysis from a rights perspective, vulnerability and discrimination analysis, participation and empowerment strategies, accountability mechanisms, and ethical considerations in rights-based programming. By mastering the principles and methodologies of the Human Rights-Based Approach to Programming, participants will be prepared to design, execute, and evaluate initiatives that are more equitable, impactful, and truly contribute to upholding human dignity and advancing social justice globally.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Program Managers and Coordinators in NGOs and CSOs
• Human Rights Advocates and Activists
• Development Practitioners and Field Staff
• Social Justice Professionals
• Policy Makers and Government Officials working in development
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
• Legal Professionals interested in human rights in development
• Community Development Workers
• Academics and Researchers in human rights and development
• Aspiring professionals in the human rights and development sectors.

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts and principles of the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA).
• Learn about key international and regional human rights frameworks relevant to development.
• Acquire skills in conducting human rights analysis to identify rights-holders and duty-bearers.
• Comprehend techniques for integrating HRBA into program design and strategic planning.
• Explore strategies for fostering participation and empowerment of rights-holders.
• Understand the importance of accountability mechanisms in HRBA programming.
• Gain insights into monitoring and evaluating programs from a human rights perspective.
• Develop a practical understanding of ethical considerations and challenges in applying HRBA.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA)

• Defining human rights and their universal, indivisible, interdependent nature.
• The evolution of HRBA in development and humanitarian work.
• Key principles of HRBA: Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination & Equality, Empowerment, Linkage to Human Rights Standards (PANEL).
• Benefits of adopting an HRBA in programming.
• Differentiating HRBA from other development approaches.

Module 2: International and Regional Human Rights Frameworks

• Overview of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
• Core international human rights treaties (e.g., ICCPR, ICESCR, CEDAW, CRC, CRPD).
• Understanding treaty bodies, special procedures, and reporting mechanisms.
• Regional human rights instruments and their relevance.
• Applying specific human rights standards to development issues.

Module 3: Human Rights Analysis for Programming

• Identifying rights-holders and their specific human rights.
• Identifying duty-bearers (state and non-state actors) and their obligations.
• Analyzing capacity gaps of duty-bearers and capacity needs of rights-holders.
• Assessing human rights violations and discrimination (causes, impacts).
• Utilizing disaggregated data to reveal inequalities.

Module 4: HRBA in Program Design and Planning

• Integrating human rights principles into needs assessments and problem analysis.
• Formulating rights-based objectives and outcomes.
• Designing activities that empower rights-holders to claim their rights.
• Ensuring non-discrimination and inclusion in program design.
• Developing a theory of change through a human rights lens.

Module 5: Participation and Empowerment of Rights-Holders

• Meaningful participation: ensuring active, free, and informed participation.
• Strategies for empowering marginalized groups and vulnerable populations.
• Building capacity of rights-holders to understand and claim their rights.
• Fostering inclusive decision-making processes.
• Addressing power imbalances in participatory approaches.

Module 6: Accountability Mechanisms in HRBA Programming

• Understanding accountability to rights-holders and duty-bearers.
• Designing and implementing effective feedback and complaints mechanisms.
• Promoting transparency and access to information.
• Supporting judicial and non-judicial avenues for redress.
• The role of civil society in monitoring duty-bearer performance.

Module 7: Monitoring and Evaluation from a Human Rights Perspective

• Developing human rights-based indicators for monitoring progress.
• Collecting data on human rights outcomes and violations.
• Utilizing human rights impact assessments within MEAL.
• Analyzing data to assess changes in rights fulfillment.
• Reporting on human rights outcomes and challenges.

Module 8: Ethical Considerations and Challenges in HRBA

• "Do No Harm" principle in human rights programming.
• Ensuring safety and security for rights-holders and practitioners.
• Addressing cultural sensitivities and power dynamics.
• Navigating political complexities and repressive environments.
• Self-care and resilience for human rights defenders.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.