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Rights-based approach

Less food distribution – more rights

29/12/2006: "It is about empowering the poor to fight for their universal rights,” says International Director Christian Friis Bach. In DanChurchAid’s partner-based programme work, there are more and more examples of a rights-based approach in action. The rights-based approach is about identification, influence and assisting poor people in organising and involving themselves. It is about enabling the poor to fight for their universal rights.

Christian Friis Bach, International Director, DanChurchAid

Last time I visited Ethiopia, I met with a group of farmers. One of them showed me a small membership card to a local association, and he asked me whether he could also become a member of DanChurchAid. I was a little confused but then he explained that with a membership card in his hand the local Mayor would listen to him.

The story from Ethiopia captures the essence of a rights-based approach in development work. Through his membership card, the farmer obtained identification and it helped him to get political influence. It helped him fighting for his rights. It granted him protection from suppression.

The rights-based approach is about identification, influence and assisting poor people in organising and involving themselves. It is about enabling the poor to fight for their universal rights.

In DanChurchAid’s partner-based programme work we see more and more examples of a rights-based approach in action. When we construct new houses for the tsunami survivors in India, we insist that both wife and husband have their names on the title. This helps the women in fighting for their rights. In Cambodia we assist village committees to develop their own action plans to be submitted to the Village Council. In Malawi we help the civil society to obtain influence on the state budget. And in Kyrgyzstan we assist elderly people in their fight for better pensions and living conditions.

The rights-based approach to development work will increasingly influence our work in the coming years. We must distribute “less food and more rights”. The freedom of speech must also go hand in hand with the right too food, shelter and education.

We have a challenging agenda for the coming year. But there is also new hope in the fight for the rights of the poor to a life in dignity.

  • Thank you for your support and contributions in 2006. We are looking forward to a good cooperation in 2007.

By Christian Friis Bach, ( cfb@dca.dk ), International Director, DanChurchAid