Evidence for the impact of the human rights-based approach in social policy and programming: A scoping review

Abstract

Human rights-based approaches in social welfare policy and social services are thought to improve the well-being of individuals, groups, communities, and society. But do they? This scoping review of the impact of human rights-based approaches yielded 34 geographically diverse studies, reviewed according to three key categories: commitment to human rights instruments and legal advocacy, policy and program outcomes, and community action and organization. Commitment to a human rights-based approach appeared to have a stronger impact when integrated into domestic legislation, result in positive policy and programming outcomes, and potentially contribute to empowerment when incorporated into community action and organization.