Rights based approaches to development in international development organizations

Abstract

In the recent years, rights talk is used within development theory and practice at a frequent rate; under the heading of rights- or human rights-based approaches to development. Although there are significant challenges; the past two decades have witnessed a momentous rise of attention of the multilateral institutions, international organizations, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) to the approach. The main argument of this thesis is that the implementation of rights-based approaches seriously depends on how the idea is framed. This thesis utilizes framing in the context of the UNDP. By looking at the official policy notes, project documents, concept papers and briefings, this study traces how human rights-based approaches to development are framed within the UNDP.