Support for human rights-based development: reflections on the Malawian experience

The urgency of reducing world poverty requires innovative thinking and the human rights-based approach to development (HRBA) is considered by some to be a viable alternative to conventional (needs-based) development. Despite many potential advantages, the discourse on HRBA has unfortunately been one of rhetorical appeal rather than an emphasis on practical implementation and integration with existing development initiatives. The paper therefore provides a critical overview of the major conceptual foundations of a HRBA and identifies a set of challenges in operationalising a global theory to national and local practice in poor countries. Based on empirical evidence from Malawi, the major focus is on political culture and the extent of participation of the poor in the political discourse, the monitoring and review roles of institutions of oversight and the role and accountability of civil society organisations and donors in formulating and implementing anti-poverty policies that on paper claim to be based on human rights principles and standards.