Case Studies of Rights-Based Development

Case Studies of Rights-Based Development

Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hm-rght-dv-07


Open Publication PDF →

This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global

Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →

About the Article

The practical application of Rights-Based Approaches (RBAs) demonstrates measurable improvements across health, education, gender equality, and child protection. This article presents a set of international case studies showing how embedding human rights principles transforms development outcomes for marginalized populations. Examples include maternal health initiatives in Uganda, inclusive education in Bangladesh, litigation-led educational reform in South Africa, women’s empowerment in Rwanda and Egypt, and systemic child protection programs in Brazil and the Philippines. These cases highlight the importance of advocacy, policy reform, and community participation in shaping sustainable outcomes. While challenges such as resource limitations, political resistance, and sustainability concerns persist, the analysis shows that RBAs enhance legitimacy, accountability, and long-term impact. By linking participation, empowerment, and systemic reform, the article demonstrates that RBAs provide both a normative foundation and a practical pathway for inclusive and equitable social transformation.

Key Topics

  • Rights-based approaches (RBAs)
  • Health and maternal rights
  • Inclusive education
  • Gender equality and empowerment
  • Child protection systems
  • Advocacy and policy reform

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Case Studies of Rights-Based Development. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hm-rght-dv-07

References

Cornwall, A., & Nyamu-Musembi, C. (2004). Putting the "rights-based approach" to development into perspective. Third World Quarterly, 25(8), 1415-1437. https://doi.org/10.1080/0143659042000308447
Gaventa, J., & Barrett, G. (2012). Mapping the outcomes of citizen engagement. World Development, 40(12), 2399-2410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2012.05.014
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Human rights and development: Integrating rights-based approaches. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/human-rights-and-development-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Financial management: Best practices and tools. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/financial-management-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Tech-driven community engagement. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/tech-driven-community-engagement-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Resilience: Psychological strength for leaders & teams. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/resilience-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Advocacy and policy influence in rights-based development. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hm-rght-dv-06
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Understanding rights-based approaches in development. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hm-rght-dv-02
Nelson, P. J., & Dorsey, E. (2003). At the nexus of human rights and development: New methods and strategies of global NGOs. World Development, 31(12), 2013-2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2003.06.009
Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Knopf.
Uvin, P. (2004). Human rights and development. Kumarian Press. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781565492455
https://neyaglobal.com/journal-nonprofit/case-studies-of-rights-based-development
353
September 28, 2025