Integrating Rights-Based Approaches into Development Programs
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-05
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About the Article
Integrating Rights-Based Approaches (RBAs) into development programs transforms them into mechanisms for empowerment, accountability, and systemic change. Unlike traditional needs-based models, RBAs embed human rights principles throughout program design, implementation, and evaluation. This article examines practical methodologies such as participatory needs assessments, logical frameworks with human rights indicators, equitable resource allocation, and participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E). Case studies from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Brazil demonstrate how RBAs improve maternal health, inclusive education, and women’s economic empowerment. Despite challenges such as political resistance, monitoring gaps, and resource constraints, RBAs provide a structured pathway for more equitable outcomes. Tools including the Logical Framework Approach, Theory of Change, and Most Significant Change methodology are highlighted as practical instruments for fostering transparency, inclusion, and sustainability. The article argues that integrating RBAs is both a normative obligation and a strategic approach to building effective, just, and participatory development programs.
Key Topics
- Rights-based approaches (RBAs)
- Program design and alignment
- Human rights-based needs assessment
- Monitoring and evaluation (PM&E)
- Empowerment and inclusion
- Multi-stakeholder partnerships
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Integrating Rights-Based Approaches into Development Programs. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hm-rght-dv-05
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