The rights-based or citizen-centered approach, tensions and contradictions in implementing the approach: reflections on the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline project.

Research Paper (undergraduate) , 2012 , 11 Pages , Grade: none

Politics - Topic: Public International Law and Human Rights

This paper makes a brief introduction of the human rights movement, its evolution from the US and French revolution to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Vienna Conference, and to present day practice of the Rights-Based Approach (a citizen-centered approach). In the following pages, the paper critically explores the newly conceived approach of human rights: the rights-based or citizen-centered approach. The Human Rights-Based Approach (RBA) places or sees human rights as an integral component of all human development programming, be it at the local or international level. The paper go along to identify the practicality and added value in the application of the RBA. In particular it looks at some of the strengths (community empowerment, local ownership, inclusion, etc) of the RBA, how that makes the RBA different from other development concepts. According to the paper translating this complex approach into practice is a big challenge to development experts, agencies and international organizations involving tensions and contradictions. Using the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline Project as a case study the paper brings to light some of the limitations of the RBA in today’s highly politics-driven world. It reveals how some other materialistic accomplishments can be placed high above citizens’ freedom and at the expense of the environment on which they depend on for their survival.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• I. Introduction
• II. The Rights-Based Approach
• III. Towards the Application of a Right-Based Approach: A right-based perspective
• IV. Tensions and Contradictions in the application of RBA

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper explores the rights-based or citizen-centered approach to human development, highlighting its evolution from historical revolutions to contemporary practices. The paper delves into the strengths and limitations of this approach, focusing on its practical application and the challenges it faces in a complex and politically charged world.

• The evolution of the human rights movement and the emergence of the rights-based approach.
• The core principles and values embedded in the rights-based approach.
• The challenges of implementing the rights-based approach in practice, including tensions and contradictions.
• The impact of political influences and power dynamics on the effective application of the rights-based approach.
• The contrasting perspectives on the rights-based approach and its potential for development and human rights realization.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter I: Introduction: This chapter traces the historical roots of the human rights movement, highlighting its origins in the French and American revolutions and its evolution to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It underscores the role of human rights in challenging state power and promoting individual freedom, emphasizing the significance of social contract theory in shaping the relationship between individuals and the state.
• Chapter II: The Rights-Based Approach: This chapter defines the rights-based approach, emphasizing its focus on human rights as fundamental to development. It outlines key features of the approach, including its emphasis on empowering citizens, promoting participation, and ensuring accountability. The chapter highlights the potential of the rights-based approach for achieving equality, equity, and good governance.
• Chapter III: Towards the Application of a Right-Based Approach: A right-based perspective: This chapter explores the practical application of the rights-based approach, recognizing the challenges of implementing it in development cooperation. It differentiates between the rights-based approach and the human rights perspective, emphasizing the former's focus on achieving human rights realization as a primary objective. The chapter also underscores the importance of aligning development processes with human rights principles.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper explores key concepts related to human rights and development, including the rights-based approach, citizen-centered approach, human rights movement, development cooperation, power dynamics, political influences, and the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline Project. These keywords reflect the core themes of the paper, focusing on the tensions and contradictions inherent in applying the rights-based approach in real-world situations.

• College: University of Sussex (Institute of Development Studies)
• Grade: none
• Author: Linus Elangwe (Author)
• Publication Year: 2012
• Pages: 11
• Catalog Number: V191841
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656167006
• ISBN (Book): 9783656167426
• Language: English
• Tags: Chad-Cameroon pipeline project, rights-based approach, Elangwe Linus, human rights movement