We embrace the fundamental principles of a human rights-based approach which focuses on those who are most marginalized, excluded or discriminated against (UNFPA). According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, “The human rights-based approach (HRBA) seeks to analyze inequalities which lie at the heart of development problems and redress discriminatory practices and unjust distributions of power that impede development progress and often result in groups of people being left behind.” A 'Human Rights-Based Approach' is about empowering people to know and claim their rights and increasing the ability and accountability of individuals and institutions who are responsible for respecting, protecting and fulfilling rights. (See here)
The key elements of the human rights-based approach are
Participation
Accountability
Non-discrimination
Transparency and access to information
Human dignity
Empowerment
Rule of Law
We promote Haitian self-determination and leadership, desiring collaborative efforts based on partnership and mutual respect, but never seeking to do what Haitians can do for themselves. To this end, the Haiti Response Coalition seeks to collaborate with and/or support the creation of one (or many) Haiti-based platform(s) to ensure that our priorities, words and actions are informed by and aligned with Haitian movements and campaigns. In concrete practice, this also means that despite the international nature of the HRC, we are committed to making our work Haitian-centered, and more specifically, centering marginalized Haitian populations so that our engagement and action are in response to Haitian need and aimed toward Haitian benefit.
We see Haiti’s complexity and believe that a holistic approach is necessary to bring about the kind of transformative change urgently needed in the country. Focusing on only one challenge or crisis without seeing the bigger picture has led to ineffective intervention and wasted resources, just as responding to an emergency situation without considering the long-term has led to a legacy of failed projects.
We recognize that Haitians and friends of Haiti include a large spectrum of experience and expertise. We respect and lift up the value of lived experience and define HRC as a community of learning and practice, where members can be unafraid to ask questions, highlight lessons learned so that we can do better in the future, and be open to learn from one another.
