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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Human Rights Reader
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">IN HUMAN
RIGHTS WORK, CLICHE THINKING IN TERMS OF GOOD AND EVIL IS NOT HELPFUL AT
ALL.</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">1. The human rights (HR)
problems we are trying to solve deserve constructive and informed solutions
--not least for the sake of the poor people waiting for an improvement of their
situation. There is no room thus for dogmatic proposals of solutions dragging
into long polemics and debates; each solution must be judged in its own context
and must have the concurrence of the beneficiaries.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">2. Most of the HR we are
dealing with are rooted in social conflicts. We do run the risk of these social
conflicts becoming depoliticized. We will then get nowhere.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">3. Looking at HR problems
within their political reality is not at all obtuse. Political processes lead to
perfectly sensible decisions… assuming that the right pressure is brought to
bear on the politicians.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(I.
Kaul)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">4. Politically, sound
lobbying arguments need every bit as much to be based on facts --and be aware
that not all required information will be readily available: You will have to
get out there and get it. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">5. Researching for those
facts and <U>using</U> them is more likely to contribute to policy changes
if:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">-the evidence fits within
the political pressures policy makers feel --or sufficient pressure is exerted
(from a position of power) to challenge policy
makers;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">-the data presented is
linked to practical, feasible solutions (to perceived pressing policy problems)
and is ‘packaged’ in such a way so as to attract policy makers’ interest.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">6. But beware, in the HR
arena, we too often fail making what is important measurable; we rather make
what is measurable important. We also do not often enough challenge empty
slogans, superficial or flawed analyses and myths about HR.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">7. For instance, we see the
literature speak about ‘aggregate governance indicators’ that measure six
dimensions of governance, namely voice-and-accountability;
political-stability-and-absence-of-major-violence-and-terror;
government-effectiveness; regulatory-quality; rule-of-law; and
control-of-corruption. The question is why is the respect for HR element not
included…? <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">8. Another example, this
one from the health field, is about the use of DALYs (life years).<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Where we are particularly
uncomfortable with DALYs is when they are used for priority setting in a
commodified, interventionist paradigm because of the damage that such usage does
for introducing (or keeping up) comprehensive integrated PHC (and the right to
health) at district level.<SPAN style="COLOR: navy"> </SPAN>The drive to
marketise health by displacing it as a public good shows a remarkable
ideological consistency of the World Bank, one of methodological
individualism.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Nobody contests that epidemiological
prioroties have to be set up. The moot question is if DALYs are the best way to
do so. Evidence suggests that it may not be, since the weightages are arbitrary,
and they do not see diseases as interlinked to the social and pysical
environment --a point the HR-based approach clearly does. </SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">9. A table taken from
Development in Practice on how to influence policy is here illustrative:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">What you need to
know<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P></TD>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">What you need to
do<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P></TD></TR>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Who are the policy
makers?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">What is their demand
for new ideas?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">What sources of
resistance will you expect?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">What is the best
timing for your policy inputs?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">What sort of evidence
will convince policy makers?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Who are the
intermediary power brokers and what influence do they have over
whom?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Who are the main
international actors?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">What influence do
they have?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">What are their
priorities?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P></TD>
<TD
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Get to know the
policy makers and their agendas.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Identify potential
supporters (strategic allies) and potential
opponents.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Look out for policy
windows of opportunity.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Establish
credibility.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Build a convincing
case and effectively present policy options.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Package new ideas in
familiar narratives.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Always use
participatory approaches.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Get to know other
stakeholders.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Build
coalitions.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Use informal
contacts.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Get to know
donors.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Identify potential
international supporters.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Regularly contact key
individuals.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">10. If you look at this and
at a number of previous Readers, you will see we have been building a
significant tool-kit of suggested tools and actions that help getting the human
rights-based approach to development going. The question is: Have the Readers
stimulated you enough for you to have started applying some of them in your
daily work?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Claudio Schuftan,
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
/><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Ho Chi Minh
City</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><A href="mailto:claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn</FONT></A><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Mostly adapted from D+C,
Vol.32, No. 10, October 2005,<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>D+C,
Vol.32, No.12, December 2005,<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">D+C,
Vol.33, No.1, January 2006,<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>D+C,
Vol.33, No.3, March 2006,<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>F+D,
Vol.42, No.3 , September 2005,<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>D.
Woodward and A. Simms, Growth Isn’t Working, New Economics Foundation, London,
January 2006, Development in Practice, Vol.16, No.1, February 2006, and personal
communications from D. Legge and M. Rao. </SPAN></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>