Human rights principles

• Universality and inalienability

• Indivisibility• Interdependence and

interrelatedness• Equality and non-

discrimination• Participation and

inclusion• Accountability and the

rule of law

Equality and non-discrimination

This principle requires …• Eradication of legal, institutional, interpersonal and structural discrimination

Programming implications:• Legal framework should:

– Derogate discriminatory legislation– Be conducive to the enjoyment of all human rights by all

• Public institutions should ensure:– Representation of marginalized or excluded groups– Services are accessible and sensitive to gender, age and cultural differences– Appropriate judicial and administrative redress mechanisms

• Public policies should:– Challenge model of appropriation and concentration of resources leading to structural

discrimination and exclusion– Take affirmative steps– Promote education and public awareness

Participation

This principle requires …• Free, active, meaningful and inclusive participationProgramming implications:• Policies, processes and procedures should provide:

– Opportunities for participation in planning and development– Access to relevant information– Capacities to marginalized groups to formulate proposals

• Institutional mechanisms should:– Be based on democratic principles– Not disempower existing democratic or traditional structure

• Civil society should:– Be active, independent and with capacities– Represent the voice of the marginalized and excluded groups– Have control over decision making process

Accountability (1)

This principle requires …• States and other duty bearers to be answerable for the

observance of human rightsProgramming implications:• State institutions should:

– Be provided with sufficient resources, responsibilities and independent authority to effectively monitor the Government

– E.g., independent human rights parliamentary bodies, national human rights institutions, judges, courts and legal counsel

• States to cooperate with international human rights systems:– Complying timely with international reporting obligations– Inviting Special Rapporteurs and providing information– Implementing the TB/SP recommendations

Accountability (2)

This principle requires …• Accessible, effective and independent mechanisms and

procedures of redressProgramming implications:• Legal framework should:

– Be in conformity with human rights norms– Establish conditions, procedures and mechanisms for rights-

holders to claim their rights and duty-bearers to comply with their obligations

• Public policies should:– Take progressive steps to address the weakness in the

accountability systems– Implement the human rights obligations of the State at a central,

regional and local levels

Accountablity (3)

This principle requires …• Free and independent media, and groups of

human rights defenders representative of men, women and marginalized or excluded groups

Programming implications:• An active, rights-sensitive civil society should:

– Monitor the State compliance with its human rights obligations

– Articulate concerns of the society and advocates for social human rights mechanisms

• E.g. Campaign on access to retro-viral medication in South Africa