Principles of Rights-Based Approaches in 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-04
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 principles of Rights-Based Approaches (RBAs) provide a framework for embedding human rights into development practice. Grounded in participation, inclusion, accountability, transparency, non-discrimination, equality, and empowerment, these principles shift development from a top-down model toward participatory governance. This article analyzes the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of each principle, illustrated through global case studies such as participatory budgeting in Brazil, gender-responsive budgeting in Rwanda, social audits in India, and inclusive education in Ethiopia. Methodological tools like Participatory Rural Appraisal, grievance redress mechanisms, and community monitoring are examined as mechanisms to strengthen accountability and ownership. While challenges remain—limited institutional capacity, cultural resistance, and political reluctance—the article argues that embedding these principles is both a normative imperative and a practical necessity for achieving equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development outcomes.
Key Topics
- Rights-based approaches (RBAs)
- Participation and inclusion
- Accountability and transparency
- Non-discrimination and equality
- Empowerment in development
- Participatory governance
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Principles of Rights-Based Approaches in Development. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hm-rght-dv-04
References
| Chambers, R. (2014). Rural development: Putting the last first. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315835815 | ||||
| Cornwall, A., & Gaventa, J. (2001). From users and choosers to makers and shapers: Repositioning participation in social policy. IDS Working Paper 127. Institute of Development Studies. | ||||
| 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). Networking at conferences. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/networking-at-conferences-2025 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Participatory development for change. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/participatory-development-2025 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Climate change and development: Strategies for adaptation. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/climate-change-and-development-2025 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Human rights as a foundation for sustainable development. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hm-rght-dv-01 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Case studies of rights-based development. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hm-rght-dv-07 | ||||
| Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Knopf. | ||||
| World Bank. (2012). World Development Report 2012: Gender equality and development. World Bank. | ||||
