Human Rights - Based Approaches and EU Development Aid Policies

The aim of this briefing paper is to inform those
responsible for formulating, applying and reviewing EU
development policies by examining those policies against the core content of human rights based approaches (hereafter HRBA) and to provide an advocacy tool for those seeking to strengthen EU accountability for HRBA.

First, the paper sets out the internationally agreed legal principles which underpin HRBA. To stimulate genuine change it is critical that these legal principles be clearly reflected in policies. The study reviewed a cross-section of policies, covering what the EU defines as
external development assistance, examining the extent to which the legal commitments of HRBA are reflected in them. A separate section of the briefing paper emphasises that the principles of HRBA apply equally to all areas of EU activity across spheres that are encompassed within international law’s holistic concept of development. While institutional structures or budget/funding lines may distinguish geographical regions or substantive themes or sectors the legal principles of HRBA nonetheless apply equally to all spheres of competence, internal or external, however classified, development, trade, humanitarian aid etc.

The final section outlines a number of recommendations for EU institutions, EU Member States, development partner states and civil society development actors.