HUMAN RIGHTS BASED APPROACH

Published
March 22, 2025

The Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) is anchored in the international, regional and national human rights systems. It is a method that can be applied when you design, implement, monitor and evaluate both policies, programmes, and development projects. The goal behind HRBA is to create societies:

  • Where everyone is treated equally, and
  • in which their rights are at the heart of decision-making and governmental management.

HRBA focuses on empowering all people worldwide to understand and claim their rights but has particular attention to those most marginalized. It addresses issues of discrimination, inequality, and exclusion and in this context it can be used to fight poverty and promote dignity and participation for all. Moreover, HRBA focuses on developing states' capacity to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights. In this regard, HRBA helps to identify discrimination and inequality and addresses the root causes of challenges in societies.

The four HRBA principles - Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination, and Transparency - guide states in ensuring the enjoyment of human rights for all its people.

This course introduces the learner to the HRBA and the four PANT principles of Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination and Transparency.

The course will also introduce how applying HRBA implies some obligations for states and public authorities.

By the end of this online module the learner will

  • Be able to explain basic concepts of HRBA
  • Know how HRBA can be important to their work
  • Be able to relate HRBA to own project and context where relevant
  • Understand the importance of equal partnerships
  • Know the four PANT principles and what these require if one chooses to apply HRBA

The course has 6 modules of 10-20 minutes that can be taken independently.

The course is developed by Danida Fellowship Centre to introduce the concept of HRBA to partners in Danida-financed projects who participate in a Danida Fellowship Centre learning activity.

NEWSLETTER

Sign up for our newsletter
View our previous newsletters here.

Engage with us

Get inspired on our social media
Danida Fellowship Centre © 2026. All Rights Reserved.