Human rights-based approaches to social policy development

Chapter 13 provides an introduction to Section Three of the book which links international human rights mechanisms to social policy development. It argues that the formulation of specific rights often involves struggle and campaigning and is thus a contested site. It further argues that the presentation of a right does not ensure that it can be realised and often attention must be given to wider social and economic policy developments as well as the promotion and facilitation of community empowerment, development, advocacy and campaigning to ensure rights are realisable and extended in line with changing contexts and circumstances. Finally, it discusses contemporary attempts by NGOs and other campaigning organisations, using right-based approaches, to promote the recognition and realisation of universal socio-economic rights globally.