3.4 Interdependence and indivisibility of human rights A national action plan should adopt a comprehensive approach to human rights, giving equal attention to all categories of rights. These embrace economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development as well as civil and political rights. The plan’s comprehensiveness should be demonstrated by its application to all persons within a national jurisdiction, particular attention being given to the rights of women, children and other vulnerable groups. This comprehensive scope flows from the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the equality of all human beings. Indivisibility is a practical rather than a theoretical issue. For example, persons who are homeless or badly housed suffer a violation of their right to housing. However, the absence of adequate housing is also likely to cause poor health, to interfere with family life and education, to hinder employment opportunities and to undermine civil and political rights. This may lead to discrimination and social exclusion, and to problems with the justice system. Such an analysis can be applied to most areas of rights. Clearly, it is important for very practical reasons of individual well-being, broad social cohesion and national development to take a comprehensive approach to human rights improvements, seeking progress in all areas. While a national action plan should be based on a comprehensive approach to human rights, there are a variety of ways in which such an approach can be reflected in the plan. This issue is discussed in greater detail in section 9.7.2. 3.5 Action orientation A national action plan should, of course, be action-oriented. Just as the ratification of international treaties must be followed by steps that give effect to the principles they contain, so the drafting of a national action plan must also facilitate its implementation. Rather than setting forth claims and vague promises, a national action plan should: • Indicate clearly what the current situation is; • Identify what problems need to be overcome; • Specify what action will be taken (in terms that provide benchmarks for the evaluation of progress); • Specify who is to take the action; • Establish a firm time frame in which action will be taken; and • Provide for effective monitoring and evaluation of what has been done. Many of those involved in implementing the plan will probably be from organizations other than those with primary responsibility for its management. It is important to ensure that all those implementing the plan fully accept the need for concrete outcomes. This underscores the need for an inclusive approach to development of the plan. 18