What is a human rights promising, good and innovative practice?
A human rights “promising/good practice” is one that, according to the information available at the time of writing, was considered by OHCHR to have a positive impact on the promotion and protection of human rights.
A promising practice is an action (or set of actions) that, according to the information available at the time of writing, was considered to have a positive impact on the promotion and protection of human rights. Results of such practice at the moment of documentation indicate potential of possible replication and sustainability over time, as well as fulfilment with other criteria that characterizes good practices. More information to document such practice over time is required to validate it as a good practice and this will also require monitoring over time.
A good practice is an action (or set of actions) have been demonstrated to be successful, with concrete and demonstrable results, in a particular setting, over time. The elements of a formal analysis against the criteria (see below) will inform the decision on whether the practice can be classified as a ‘good practice’, having more than local value, in particular being suitable for replication to other contexts.
A promising and a good practice can also be innovative practices, if there has been experimentation of new, innovative and creative solutions and approaches that may have contributed to making it a promising/good practice.
Examples of practices can be legislation, public policies, regulations, financial allocations (budgets), service provision, programmes or reforms.
A promising/good practice:
- Complies with international human rights norms and standards
- Contributes to the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights
- Demonstrates sustainable results through quantitative and/or qualitative evidence of positive impact
- Has the potential to be successfully adapted and replicated in other contexts
A promising, good and innovative practice can be implemented by States, the UN system, intergovernmental and regional organisations, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, academia, businesses, the media, or other actors.
OHCHR’s work emphasizes evidence-based approaches. This includes promoting the dissemination and consolidation of practices to understand, inform and strengthen measures to translate international human rights law into tangible realities for everyone.
What criteria do we refer to when considering if a practice is promising, good or innovative?
The criteria OHCHR uses to identify promising/good/innovative practices are the following:
Integration of human rights principles and standards*
The practice is anchored in human rights standards and guided by human rights principles (both in process and substance), such as equality and non-discrimination, full and effective participation, transparency, accountability, sustainability and empowerment.
Impact*
The practice has made a positive impact and attained its objectives in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights.
Relevance
The activities of the practice were suited to meet the identified objectives.
Sustainability
The benefits of the practice are sustainable over time.
Replication
The practice can potentially be adapted and replicated in the same or other contexts, such as in another time period, to other target groups and/or in other countries or regions.
Efficiency
Inputs or resources were used efficiently to achieve results (e.g. were results achieved with the least costly resources?).
Innovation
The practice demonstrates an innovative approach either with regard to the outcome or the process.