Approach
Human rights are non-negotiable entitlements of every human being. The narrative of human rights cuts across gender, climate, economic and social justice.
States have the obligation to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. They have committed to take steps, to the maximum of their available resources, to progressively achieve the full realization of human rights by all appropriate means. This is enshrined in many international agreements, conventions, constitutions and national laws, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. And yet, as duty bearers, states provide insufficient resources to finance their commitments and realize rights.
Rights Initiative looks at human rights from a political economy perspective. Our human rights based approach prompts deeper analysis of the structural causes and abuses of power obstructing human rights. Entrenched economic inequalities are often rooted in (post) colonial exploitation, racism and gender disparities.
In democratic societies, states can be held accountable and the judiciary can enforce governments to provide the means to advance human rights. The politics behind financing public services, such as health and education, are not always visible and transparant for the public. Power relations influence decision making around resource mobilization and public spending.
We are inspired by people who stand up for their rights. Social movements, rights-based organizations and progressive media often speak truth to power. They are key in exposing power relations and in redirecting financial flows to advance economic, social and political rights.