HREA Distance Learning Course 5E04:
RIGHTS-BASED PROGRAMMING
22 March-30 May 2004

Instructor: Predrag Zivkovic

This distance learning course introduces staff members of (international)
development agencies and NGOs to rights-based programming. A rights-based
approach is a conceptual framework for the process of human development
that is normatively based on international human rights standards and
operationally directed to promoting and protecting human rights.
Essentially, a rights-based approach integrates the norms, standards and
principles of the international human rights system into the plans,
policies and processes of programme development.

Participants will deepen their knowledge about project and programme
development from a human rights framework and learn how to apply the
principles of equity, empowerment, participation and accountability to
various phases of project planning and implementation. Participants will
also gain sensitivity to how programs can integrate non-discriminatory
practice and give attention to vulnerable groups. The course will focus on
practical tools for human rights situation assessment, programme planning,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation within the rights-based
conceptual framework.

The course involves approximately 50 hours of reading, on-line working
groups, interaction with students and instructors/facilitators and
assignments, and is offered over a 10-week period, beginning on 22 March
2004. E-mail will be the main medium for the course, although participants
will need to have periodic access to the Web (part of the
readings/assignment will be distributed via CD-ROM). The course is based
on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on
peer-to-peer learning. Course facilitator will provide individualized
feedback where appropriate. Participants will do the required readings,
prepare interim and final assignments and participate in group
discussions. The maximum number of course participants is 25. Students who
successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of
Participation. It is also possible to be an auditor of the course.

COURSE OUTLINE

Weeks 1-3: Introduction
Week 1. The Human Rights Framework
Week 2. Overview of Programming Phases
Week 3. Key Elements of Rights-Based Programming

Weeks 4-7: Elements of Rights-based Programming
Week 4. Situation Assessment and Rights-Based Programming
Week 5. Program Design and Rights-Based Programming
Week 6. Program Implementation and Rights-Based Programming
Week 7. Accountability and Rights-Based Programming (Monitoring and
Evaluation)

Weeks 8-10: Examples of Rights-based Programming
Week 8. Analysis of Rights-Based Programming: Example 1
Week 9. Analysis of Rights-Based Programming: Example 2
Week 10. Rights-Based Programming and the Future of Human Development Work

ABOUT THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Predrag Zivkovic works as Human Rights Officer at the Office of the UN
High Commissioner for Human Rights in the area of capacity development for
human rights protection and promotion. Prior to joining the United Nations
he worked with human rights and development NGOs. He studied philosophy,
social anthropology and international human rights law at the universities
of Zagreb, London and Essex.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

The course is intended for staff members of development and human
rights/social justice organisations. Candidates should have a good written
command of English and have high competence and comfort with computer and
Internet use. HREA aims to ensure equal gender and geographical
distribution across the selected participants.

COSTS

The course tuition fee is Euro 485 (tuition for auditors is Euro 200). A
limited number of scholarships is available for applicants from Africa,
Middle East, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe/Newly Independent States,
Latin America/Caribbean.

APPLICATION

The deadline for applications is 23 February 2004. However, applications
will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. Applications received
after that day unfortunately cannot be accepted. Successful applicants
will be notified by 29 February 2004. Full tuition payment is due on 10
March 2004.

ABOUT HREA

Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) is an international
non-governmental organisation that supports human rights learning; the
training of activists and professionals; the development of educational
materials and programming; and community-building through on-line
technologies. HREA works in partnership with education agencies, NGOs,
governments and inter-governmental organisations to implement training
programmes for teachers, NGO staff, jurists and other professionals
involved in human rights work. Current and past partners include, inter
alia, Amnesty International, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies,
Council of Europe, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HURIDOCS, the
Inter-American Institute for Human Rights (IIDH), the Office of the UN
High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Open Society Institute, UNESCO and
the University of Minnesota Human Rights Center. HREA is registered as a
non-profit organisation in the Netherlands and the USA. More information
on HREA can be found at: http://www.hrea.org

APPLICATION FORMS

Application form (in Word and PDF format) can be obtained at:
http://www.hrea.org/courses/5E.html