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Rights

Rights Browse by SubjectWe aim to contribute to academic debates on human rights in a development context, engage with policymakers, advocacy organisations and donors on key issues, and influence the practice of implementing rights agendas in development programmes.

Human rights are increasingly important on the international development agenda. Rights-based projects and programmes are promoted and implemented across the world by donors, NGOs, academics and activists. Rights-based approaches to development have emerged out of several streams of thinking - out of a United Nations international legal framework; from a range of social, cultural and political struggles in both North and South; and a historical evolution from people seen as beneficiaries to being citizens. In practice, rights based approaches, whether employed by advocates or international agencies, are often based on a blend of all three of these.

Human rights are more meaningful and sustainable when they are claimed from the bottom up by people who live daily realities of poverty and inequality. Rights are not just an approach for development, they can be a real way for people to challenge power and structural inequalities. When people mobilise and struggle to gain their rights it may lead to better access to resources such as land, health, housing and water. Legal frameworks are important but many governments often violate people's rights as well as protect them. Many people use direct action strategies such as protesting and working with the media to draw attention to their rights.

News »»


Too Close to Call on Women’s Progress in Saudi Arabia

Published: 28 Sep 2011 Women vote in a Middle East polling station

IDS Fellow Mariz Tadros takes stock of the new political rights for women in Saudi Arabia and the grim reality on the ground.


New coalition forms to push inequality up the development agenda

Published: 28 Sep 2011 Claimants wanting to see a solicitor board the Fluvial Court boat in the Amazon river's estuary. Credit: Dermot Tatlow / Panos

Following publication of new report, IDS and MDG-F convene influential group committed to action for reducing inequality and promoting social justice.


Shooting the messenger: Controversy over farmworker conditions in South Africa

Published: 14 Sep 2011 Farmer workers in South Africa. Image credit: Caroline Penn / Panos

Government and farmer rejection of recent report misses opportunity to capitalise on South Africa's progressive labour laws.


IDS interview: The impact of the law on sex workers in Ethiopia

Published: 26 Aug 2011 SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town Natasha (right) and her friend Toni share a flat together in Cape town. They are street-based sex workers, and have been working in the industry for four years. Credit: Nikki Rixon / Twenty Ten / Panos

In this IDS interview, visiting research fellow, Cheryl Overs, examines the impact of the law on sex workers in Ethiopia


Beyond the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Changing norms and meeting targets

Published: 14 Mar 2011 David Hulme speaking at the Sussex Development Lecture

David Hulme examined the impact of the MDGs, arguing that their replacement could not be driven by results alone. Building political will and public consensus is crucial if we are to effectively tackle world poverty.




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Rights projects at IDS

  • Participation and Development Relations - Promoting a rights perspective to the challenges of poverty, inequality and insecurity. (Ongoing)
  • Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability (STEPS) Centre - The STEPS Centre is an interdisciplinary global research and policy engagement hub, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. It aims to develop a new approach to understanding, action and communication on sustainability and development. (Ongoing)


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    Realising Rights

    Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability Centre