The Tools/Instruments database contains an extensive list of instruments and tools. Each tool or instrument has a description of where it can be used, with links to case studies that have already used the tool/instrument (these are in the Case Studies section). In each case, the steps covered by the tool or instrument are highlighted, documentation is provided, as are details of how and where to get further information.
Tools and Instruments
HRIAs are implemented using tools or instruments that are designed for a specific context or policy area. They can be broad frameworks or they can be used to facilitate the implementation of a specific part of a Human Rights Impact Assessment. A distinction is sometimes made between a HRIA tool and a HRIA instrument.
An instrument refers to a specific framework for the implementation of a HRIA. It defines the steps that need to be taken in a Human Rights Impact Assessment, the sequence in which they are taken and the tools that should be used. Such instruments provide a more specific framework for HRIA than approaches. This is necessary as different situations may require somewhat different approaches.
An example of an instrument/framework for a specific type of HRIA is the Health Rights of Women Assessment Instrument (HeRWAI). Instruments are designed to assess impact for a specific group, human right, or within a particular context.
HRIA tools are used in the implementation of a step or a number of steps in a HRIA instrument or approach. These frameworks may not provide enough guidance to carry out a HRIA, and in such cases various tools can be used to facilitate the implementation of specific steps of a HRIA instrument of approach. An example of a HRIA tool is the online Thesaurus of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which can be used for monitoring and evaluation.
A HRIA tool can therefore be understood as the implementation of one or more steps in the Eight Step Approach.