LocationsHow human rights can help solve development challenges
A lifeline amidst crises
May 28, 2026
The human rights-based approach to development is the key to reaching those furthest behind. Our partners are working with UNDP to transform global commitments into lasting change.
Photo: UNDP
The world is facing a storm of challenges, with climate change, conflicts and crises affecting billions of people. Instead of moving forward, many countries are slipping back. Over half of the Sustainable Development Goals (a set of global targets to protect people and planet) are off track, and some nations are seeing declines in basic human development.
At the heart of every crisis are people–families, communities–striving to find solutions that truly make a difference and reach those most in need.
In the face of complexity and uncertainty, UNDP has accelerated support for those on the ground. Our partners are standing firm on the frontlines of justice, human rights and security, working with UNDP to transform global commitments into lasting change.
Reaching those furthest behind: rights are the answer
The goal is clear: accelerate sustainable development while leaving no one behind. But in turbulent times we must reflect on what it really takes to bring positive changes to people’s daily lives. The human rights-based approach to development has long been held as the key to reaching those furthest behind.
At its core, this approach is a framework that grounds development in human rights. It applies principles like non-discrimination, participation, transparency and accountability, while linking development to human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and binding treaties which states voluntarily become parties to. These rights include the right to life, health, education, livelihoods and much more.
UNDP’s new Human Rights-Based Approach Toolkit offers practical guidance to deliver development solutions that put human dignity and national ownership at the centre. It builds on over 25 years of UNDP’s experience in applying human rights-based approach and was designed following two years of deep listening and learning exchanges with UNDP Country Offices, international organizations and human rights experts.
Human rights are not just ideals, they are tools to solve problems and lifelines for people caught in crisis.
Practice and protection: human rights in action
One of the critical issues the Toolkit aims to address is the disconnect between those responsible for finding solutions and those most affected by crisis. When we deliver solutions to benefit communities, these communities must be fully involved in actions that impact their lives. The Toolkit provides practical guidance on how to include marginalized groups, moving beyond mere consultation toward genuine participation, where communities can shape or even halt actions they believe are not in their best interest.
The Toolkit also demonstrates how to embed accountability into development projects. It recognizes governments as duty bearers and people as rights holders. Integrating accountability into development means asking critical questions: who is entitled to what and who should be held responsible when those rights and obligations are not fulfilled?
How does it work in practice? The Toolkit introduces the PLANET framework which provides key questions and considerations applicable to all development projects. PLANET strives to; ensure Participation of affected groups, Link to human rights standards, enable Accountability of power holders, secure Non-discrimination of groups at risk, advance Empowerment and capacity-building of rights holders as well as Transparency of interventions.
Human rights-based approach in action
In Ukraine, UNDP is applying human rights-based approach to bridge the digital divide. Since 2021, 59 electronic services have been developed and used more than 38 million times, including a new state standard on web accessibility for people with disabilities.
In Angola, UNDP is empowering rights holders to help improve national healthcare. With funding to LGBTQI+ organizations, the real lived experiences of young people have influenced policy and legal changes, including in the Law Against Domestic Violence. UNDP in Indonesia is integrating human rights in the protection of biodiversity. Rights holders, including women and Indigenous peoples, lead conservation of wildlife habitats and engage in patrols to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Human rights-based approach as a problem-solver
The benefits of a human rights-based approach are far-reaching: it fosters trust, enhances sustainability and ensures that development truly serves those in need by bringing lived experiences into the heart of decision making.
This approach not only strengthens inclusion and accountability but also helps flag early signs of impending crisis and conflict, enabling progress even in politically sensitive environments.
Human rights are not just ideals, they are tools to solve problems and lifelines for people caught in crisis. As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda reminds us, putting human rights first is essential to reversing setbacks and protecting the progress we have fought hard to achieve.
Without a foundation of dignity, fairness and accountability, sustainable development risks falling apart. But with human rights as our compass, we can find our way forward.
Related
content
content
