UNDP-OHCHR TOOLKIT •• UNDP to work with NHRIs to conduct capacity assessment for the whole human rights infrastructure 11 Planning and Programming •• UNCTs can support to national executive agencies in formulation of a National Human Rights Action Plan >> Example of cross cutting integration of Human Rights into Thematic Areas UNCT engagement in the Philippines: Sample initiatives: Environment: The UNCT Joint Programme on climate change and proposed integration of human rights. Peace & Conflict Prevention: UNCT Joint Programme on Peace in southern part of the country to promote a culture of peace and respect for human rights. Migration: ILO supported campaign for the ratification of the UN convention on the protection of the rights of migrant workers. Gender: UNCT support to women’s network & national commission on women, in the monitoring of CEDAW. Service Delivery: UNDP & UNICEF Joint Programme with NHRI to integrate human rights in the delivery of potable water to waterless districts Access to Justice: UNICEF capacity building support to NHRI to enable them to handle child rights violations Electoral & Political Reform: UNDP support to NHRI to assist disenfranchised voters especially the poor and disadvantaged sectors. Corporate Social Responsibility: UNDP & ILO work with business sector to promote MDGs and Human Rights under the UN Global Compact Source: Mr. Emmanuel Buendia, Team Leader, Governance UNDP. (Philippines). 5.4.2 NHRIs and Poverty Reduction Strategies While poverty has traditionally been considered primarily an economic issue (relating to income levels or financial capacity), rights issues, such as the denial of “Human Rights, Health and Poverty Reduction Strategies” World Health Organization, 2005, 10 18 Ibid. 19 Ibid. 20 94 opportunities and equality, also play a role. This section will discuss how NHRIs support the poverty reduction process, again taking a human rights-based approach. Poverty reduction is a gradual process: many states develop a poverty reduction strategy (PRS) as a vehicle for achieving this objective. A PRS is a “national cross-sectoral development framework, designed and implemented by national governments, specifically to tackle the causes and impact of poverty in a country.”18 The adoption and implementation of a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) is a way for a state to demonstrate its commitment to realizing all human rights for citizens. The WHO reports that by 2005, 44 countries had completed full PRSPs and these strategies are now being re-examined and re-implemented.19 Many authors agree that a successful PRSP requires a strong human rights perspective. The WHO explains the importance of a strong human rights perspective in a national PRSP:20 11 Rooting a national policy in an international legal framework strengthens the centrality of the state in design, implementation and oversight of PRSPs. 11 A PRSP founded on human rights principles is an effective mechanism through which a state can gradually achieve its longer-term obligations. 11 Any PRSP, to be effective, legitimate and sustainable, depends upon the empowerment of the poor, and human rights are effective tools of such empowerment. 11 While other approaches focus on raising average indicator levels, a human rights approach can ensure that it is the most vulnerable, including the poorest of the poor, that are targeted. 11 The resource constraints facing poor countries are recognized by both PRSPs and human rights law under the principle of progressive realisation. Both frameworks recognise the importance of an enabling environment, including the dependence upon the wider international community and non-state actors. NHRIs can contribute to giving a PRSP a human rights perspective in several ways: 11 seek to be involved in the development of a PRSP.