United Nations Statement on a ­Common Understanding of Human Rights-Based Approach 1. All programmes of development cooperation, policies and technical assistance should f­ urther the realization of human rights as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments. 2. Human rights standards contained in, and principles derived from, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments guide all ­development cooperation and programming in all sectors and in all stages of the programming process. 3. Development cooperation contributes to the development of the capacities of ‘duty-bearers’ to meet their obligations and/or of ‘right-holders’ to claim their rights. UNFPA also works in accordance with the key elements of cultural sensitivity and gender-responsiveness.2 NHRIs have a clear role and duty in placing all human rights, including reproductive rights, on the agenda and to help ensure that human rights, such as reproductive rights, are not violated and where violated, that offenders do not enjoy impunity. 2 UNFPA- A Human Rights-Based Approach to Programming, 2010, p. 70. 14 Reproductive rights should be an area where NHRIs take charge, help set the public agenda and assist the state in living up to its responsibilities in a way that is transparent, participatory, non-discriminatory, empowering and sustainable. Naturally, it is not possible to provide all relevant information on reproductive rights in a Handbook of this kind but for NHRIs deciding to work on reproductive rights issues, there are many avenues of assistance. UNFPA works with NHRIs and is available for assistance and cooperation. OHCHR has also been involved in the protection and promotion of reproductive rights and, together with UNDP, has a long and deep experience in working with and assisting NHRIs. These are all relevant partners for NHRIs wishing to work within the field of reproductive rights. Of course, in this as in all other endeavours it is also relevant for NHRIs to work together. NHRIs should seek assistance from each other and within the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. Additionally NHRIs should reach out to the regional networks, being the Asia-Pacific Forum,3 the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions, the Network of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights on the American Continent and the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions. 3 As mentioned above, the Asia-Pacific Forum has already taken steps in this respect with its 20102011 study on Integrating Reproductive Rights into the Work of National Human Rights Institutions of the Asia-Pacific Region in collaboration with UNFPA and the follow up consultation on 20-21 June 2011 in Kuala Lumpur.