Balancing protection and pragmatism: a framework for NGO accountability in rights-based approaches.
In the classic understanding of human rights obligations, the state is considered the primary duty-bearer. Governments, however, are increasingly handing over their function of delivering health services to NGOs. This article argues that because of these new and increasing responsibilities, NGOs should also be seen as duty-bearers required to uphold rights through their services, activities, and principles of operation. Translating human rights norms into practical, measurable activities remains a challenge. We worked with organizations delivering HIV-related services to prisoners and injecting drug users in Malawi and Pakistan. The aim was to develop a simple, practical framework of activities and indicators to provide accountability standards against which NGOs could be held accountable for progressively realizing the rights of their clients.
Mayhew
Susannah
S
Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom. susannah.mayhew@lshtm.ac.uk
Douthwaite
Megan
M
Hammer
Michael
M
D003219:Confidentiality; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006298:Health Services Administration; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D008295:Malawi / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009938:Organizations / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011329:Prisoners; D011635:Public Health Administration; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications