Added value, Use And Users

Added Value of HRIA

  • The consistency, coherency and effectiveness of human rights policy, including the awareness of and positive attitudes towards human rights aspects of policy measures.
  • The identification of areas of concern and critical issues. And the selection of the best mix of instruments in a particular situation.
  • The translation of general objectives of human rights policy into priorities and tailored measures geared towards achieving well-described goals in a specific situation.
  • The monitoring and evaluation of the chosen strategies and policy measures.
  • The sustainability of policies, including the benefits of money, effort and time saved in the formulation of effective policies and the prevention of failures and negative effects.
  • An accountability framework.

How To Use HRIA?

There is not one uniform way to apply HRIA. Different approaches exist, including general HRIA approaches, such as the HOM HRIA Approach (see HRIA steps) and specific instruments. It is no ready-to-use formula, but rather a flexible concept. This means one can choose and combine the instruments and tools that are most appropriate for the specific situation at hand. Still, there are some elements that are essential to any HRIA. These include the systematic collection and use of indicators, the formulation of clear aims and objectives, and a baseline study which presents a well-informed basis for strategic decision making.

 

Who can use HRIA?

Different actors, such as international organisations and institutions, NGO's, companies and governments can have an interest in assessing the impact of their activities on human rights. The reasons for this vary according to the actor. Some of the main reasons are:

  • Mainstreaming of human rights.
  • Increased pressure on international institutions and companies to take human rights into consideration in their activities.
  • Pressure from the public and donors to prove that activities are efficient and effective.
  • Increased call for transparency and accountability in general.