Using human rights indicators in development: Experiences from LAC

OAS: progress indicators for measuring progress rights under the Protocol of San Salvador

Alexandra N. BarrantesPromotion of Equity Section Chief

DIS/OASNovember 18, 2015

What is the Protocol of San Salvador?

Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights “Protocol of San Salvador” (PSS)

PSS follow-up mechanism• National reports submitted by States Parties

(article 19): 2014-2015 first round

• Set of progress indicators approved by member states (2 groups)

• Working Group to examine and analyze national reports by States Parties (SP)

PSS indicators• First group of rights: rights to social security,

to health, and education

• Second group: rights to work and trade union rights, rights to a healthy environment, adequate food, and the benefits of culture

PSS indicators provide SP:• Useful tools to review the status of the rights,

identify outstanding issues and agendas based on a participatory dialogue with civil society

• Devise strategies for the progressive realization of the rights

• Tools to undertake a process of evaluating and measuring fulfillment of social rights that goes beyond mere reporting (not intended to record complaints but progress)

PSS indicatorsModel composed of quantitative indicators and qualitative signs of progress.

3 types of indicators (structural, process, and outcome), arranged into three conceptual categories: (i) incorporation of the right; (ii) financial context and budgetary commitment; (iii) and state capabilities

3 cross- cutting principles: a) equality and nondiscrimination, b) access to justice, and c) access to information and participation)

PSS indicators are not development indicators

• Objective and scope of PSS rights indicators distinguish them from traditional indicators that measure variations in levels of development in a particular country or region.

• “human rights indicators are specific information on the state of an event, activity or an outcome that can be related to human rights norms and standards; that address and reflect the human rights concerns and principles; and that are used to assess and monitor promotion and protection of human rights.” [Paul Hunt, Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the right of everyone to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Resolution 2003/45 A/58/427, 2006:4.]

Working Group PSS:http://www.oas.org/en/sedi/dsi/protocol-ssv/

Indicators for measuring rights under the PSS:http://www.oas.org/en/sedi/pub/progress_indicators.pdf

THANK YOU