Comparison Between Rights-Based Approach and Needs-Based Approach

The following table provides a comparison between the Needs-Based Approach (NBA) and the Rights-Based Approach. It is important to note that this comparison assumes that the NBA seeks only to address needs. Many of the groups that applied NBA have also tried to address systemic problems, and their efforts gradually and considerably contributed to the current shape of the RBA. The frame of reference might make a significant difference in the two approaches.

NEEDS-BASED APPROACH RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH
Based on assessed needs Based on established human rights
Needs are the point of reference, implying interventions at a local or micro level. Violations of rights are the triggers that lead to analysis and actions at the structural and macro levels.[1]Tsikata, Dzodzi. The Rights-Based Approach to Development: Potential for Change or More of the Same? p. 3. Center for Developmental Practices. … Continue reading
Needs are pertinent to the group that has such a need Rights are universal and apply to all people everywhere
Considers finding more resources Considers the redistribution of existing resources
Keeps away from politics and policy-making processes Politics is at the very heart of the development process
Needs are handled individually Rights are non-negotiable and indivisible
It may be solved by addressing the symptoms (if we provide resources to cover the needs) Must analyze and address structural, systemic, and even global causes of problems
Asks state officials and power holders for help Holds state officials and power holders accountable
Accessibility of food Keep people’s existing access to food
Putting needy people in an inferior position by asking others to meet their needs Helping people to restore their dignity by claiming their rights as human beings and citizens
No obligation to meet the needs. We satisfy the needs when resources are available States, power holders, and international entities have obligations to fulfill the rights
Tends to care for those in need, but not those who are most needy. (Low cost, high impact preference). Tends to work more with people whose rights are most violated or denied[2]Nyamu-Musembi, Celestine; & Cornwall, Andrew, 2004. What Is the “Right-Based Approach” All About?: Perspectives from International Development Agencies, IDS Working Paper # 234, p. 3. Institute … Continue reading
Aims at relieving suffering Aims at addressing structural injustices[3]Tsikata, Dzodzi. The Rights-Based Approach to Development: Potential for Change or More of the Same? p. 2. Center for Developmental Practices. … Continue reading
Usually, it is not legally binding to the stakeholders Carries a legal force to the development work[4]AWID, A rights-Based Approach to Development, P. 5. Facts and Issues; Women's Rights and Economic Change, No. 1, August 2002. http://www.awid.org/publications/primers/factsissues1.pdf.
Encourages participation from within the community, with possible collaboration with other groups. Forces collective action and alliances from different groups[5]Tsikata, Dzodzi. The Rights-Based Approach to Development: Potential for Change or More of the Same? p. 3. Center for Developmental Practices. … Continue reading
3rd Chapter Index

References

References
↑1, ↑5 Tsikata, Dzodzi. The Rights-Based Approach to Development: Potential for Change or More of the Same? p. 3. Center for Developmental Practices. http://www.cdra.org.za/articles/The%20Rights-Based%20Approach%20to%20Development%20-%20Potential%20for%20Change%20or%20More%20of%20the%20Same%20by%20Dzodzi%20Tsikata.doc
↑2 Nyamu-Musembi, Celestine; & Cornwall, Andrew, 2004. What Is the “Right-Based Approach” All About?: Perspectives from International Development Agencies, IDS Working Paper # 234, p. 3. Institute for Development Studies at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/bookshop/wp/wp234.pdf
↑3 Tsikata, Dzodzi. The Rights-Based Approach to Development: Potential for Change or More of the Same? p. 2. Center for Developmental Practices. http://www.cdra.org.za/articles/The%20Rights-Based%20Approach%20to%20Development%20-%20Potential%20for%20Change%20or%20More%20of%20the%20Same%20by%20Dzodzi%20Tsikata.doc
↑4 AWID, A rights-Based Approach to Development, P. 5. Facts and Issues; Women's Rights and Economic Change, No. 1, August 2002. http://www.awid.org/publications/primers/factsissues1.pdf.