This document contains an introduction to Human Rights Impact Assessment and a search for a more systematic approach to human rights analysis by introducing the Eight Step Approach.

HRIA is a systematic process to ensure the integration of human rights aspects in decision-making throughout the policy formulation, implementation, checking and adapting process. It includes a continuous system of monitoring and evaluation of the results and, eventually, the longer-term impact of a policy, on the basis of international law and standards, from which criteria have been derived. The assessment will take account of the benchmarks that have been set for particular programs or projects, and will make use of indicators, which reflect the real state of affairs. Different circumstances require different tools, levels of analysis and indicators. However, a framework based on basic principles of impact assessment can be developed.

The Eight procedural levels are:

1. Assessment of the actual human rights situation
2. Political analysis
3. Development of a view on the desired situation
4. Selection of essential questions
5. Formulation of policy options and activities
6. Decision on policy and activities
7. Monitoring
8. Evaluation

The Eight Step Approach is developed by Aim for human rights.