Session 2: Using a rights-based approach.

• Author: Nyamweya, Pauline
• Position: ADVOCACY TRAINING MANUAL: SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Objectives

By the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

* explain the concept of rights, specifically sexual and reproductive health rights;

* describe the human rights instruments and obligations that form the basis of these rights;

* share experiences on the realities and application of the SRHR framework in the local context;

* explain the importance of applying a rights framework when advocating for SRHR;

* demonstrate awareness on a rights-based approach to SRHR advocacy

Time

60 minutes

Materials

* Participant Handout B.3:

* a collection of human rights instruments and documents on SRHR a list of which is provided in Annex....| suggest a list be added as an annex

* flipchart paper

* markers

* masking tape

* a collection of background information about the SRHR situation in your local context

Advance Preparation

* Review Participant Handout B.3.

* Trainers will need to provide the participants with information on the key elements of a human rights based approach and the SRHR that are protected under the various human rights instruments and documents, since this is a fairly technical and emerging area and the participants' level of knowledge may vary.

* Participants should receive the background information before the workshop so they can familiarize themselves with the content. If this is not feasible, background information is provided to the participants at the beginning of the workshop so they can read it in their spare time.

* Find out whether the country where the training is taking place has signed the relevant human rights instruments and documents.

* The trainers should print enough copies of the discussion questions for the brainstorming session for the participants.

Key Ideas to Convey

* Human rights are standards of human dignity that are rooted in every culture, religion and traditions around the world.

* Human rights provide the legal framework within which national laws, policies, and services should be formulated and monitored, as well as an approach to designing policy and programmes.

* Human rights and reproductive health advocates work together to advance women's and men's SRHR well-being. The human rights system is based on a series of legally binding international treaties, many of which are directly relevant to sexual and reproductive health.

* Sexual and reproductive health rights are distinct, though linked. SRHR should not only be considered in the context of reproduction. Too often, programmes...