Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM

Rodriguez, Rizal

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK AND COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT
College/Campus

SWP 1: Knowledge and Philosophical Foundation of Social Work Profession

Descriptive Title of the Subject

Topic 7 :From Needs-Based to Human Rights Approach

( Title Of The Topic )

Reporters:
Bertos, Christine Anne
Dabalos, Carol Ann D.
Mendoza, Sheryl Ann S.
Rabal, Jordan

Year and Section : BSSW 1B

Instructor : Ms Jelly Delos Santos

What is a needs- based approach?

The need-based approach highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing
the basic needs of individuals and communities as a fundamental principle in
shaping social and economic policies. It aims to create a society where everyone
has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Example:

The Social Welfare Programs: Government programs such as welfare assistance,

food stamps, and housing subsidies are designed to provide support and resources
to individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship and struggling to
meet their basic needs.

Needs based Program

● Government programs
● Medical assistant
● Financial assistant
● Food assistance
 ● Health insuranceNeeds-based approach : A needs-based approach to
community development will look at a specific community and assess what it
needs in particular.

Aspect of Needs-Based Appoarch

1.Identification of Needs: This involves identifying and understanding the specific

needs of individuals or communities. It may include basic necessities such as food,
shelter, healthcare, education, employment, safety, and social support.

2.Holistic Assessment: Needs are often multifaceted and interconnected.

Therefore, a holistic assessment is necessary to understand the complex nature of
needs. This assessment may consider various factors such as social, economic,
cultural, and environmental aspects.

3.Empowerment and Participation: The needs-based approach emphasizes the

importance of empowering individuals and communities to actively participate in
decision-making processes regarding the solutions to their needs. It involves
recognizing their strengths, capabilities, and voices in finding solutions.

4.Tailored Interventions: Rather than applying generic solutions, interventions are

tailored to address the specific needs identified through assessment. This may
involve designing programs, services, or policies that are responsive to the unique
circumstances and preferences of the target population.

5.Collaboration and Partnership: Addressing complex needs often requires

collaboration and partnership among various stakeholders, including government
agencies, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and other relevant
actors. Collaboration facilitates resource-sharing, expertise, and collective action.

6.Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential

components of the needs-based approach to assess the effectiveness and impact of
interventions. It involves measuring progress, identifying challenges, and making
necessary adjustments to ensure that interventions remain responsive to evolving
needs.

7.Human Rights Perspective: The needs-based approach is often grounded in

human rights principles, emphasizing the right of every individual to access essential
goods and services. It recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all people and
seeks to address disparities and inequalities.

8.Sustainability: Sustainable solutions are prioritized in the needs-based approach

to ensure that interventions have long-term positive impacts. This may involve
building local capacity, promoting self-reliance, and considering environmental and
economic sustainability factors.

What is Human rights approach ?

The human rights-based approach focuses on those who are most marginalized,
excluded or discriminated against. This often requires an analysis of gender norms,
different forms of discrimination and power imbalances to ensure that interventions
reach the most marginalized segments of the population.

The human rights approach is a framework that emphasizes the inherent dignity and
worth of every individual and seeks to protect and promote their fundamental rights
and freedoms. It is based on the idea that all human beings are entitled to certain
rights by virtue of their humanity, regardless of their nationality, race, gender,
religion, or any other characteristic.

Example:
The right to freedom of expression. This right, protected under international human
rights law, ensures that individuals have the freedom to express their opinions,
ideas, and beliefs without fear of censorship or reprisal.

Five key of human rights principles

Participation

Everyone has the right to participate in decisions which affect their human rights.
Participation must be active, free and meaningful, and give attention to issues of
accessibility, including access to information in a form and a language which can be
understood.

Accountability

Accountability requires effective monitoring of compliance with human rights

standards and achievement of human rights goals, as well as effective remedies for
human rights breaches. For accountability to be effective, there must be appropriate
laws, policies, institutions, administrative procedures and mechanisms of redress in
order to secure human rights.
Effective monitoring of compliance and achievement of human rights goals also
requires development and use of appropriate human rights indicators.

Non-discrimination and equality

A human rights based approach means that all forms of discrimination in the
realisation of rights must be prohibited, prevented and eliminated. It also means that
priority should be given to people in the most marginalised or vulnerable situations
who face the biggest barriers to realising their rights.

Empowerment

Everyone is entitled to claim and exercise their rights and freedoms. Individuals and
communities need to be able to understand their rights, and to participate fully in the
development of policy and practices which affect their lives.

Legality
A human rights based approach requires that
the law recognises human rights and freedoms as legally enforceable entitlements,
andthe law itself is consistent with human rights principles.

From Need-Based to Human Rights Approach

The transformation from a need-based approach to a human rights approach has

been a gradual process that evolved over time. The recognition of human rights as
inherent and universal, as enshrined in international human rights instruments, has
played a significant role in this transformation.

the need-based approach focuses on meeting individuals' basic needs, the human
rights approach goes further by recognizing and protecting the inherent rights and
dignity of every individual. The human rights approach ensures that individuals not
only have their needs met but also have their rights respected, creating a foundation
for a just and equitable society.

Example of Differences between needs-based approach and human rights

approach.

Needs- based approach (NBA) Human rights based approach

(HRBA )
Vulnerability Vulnerability is addressed as
symptom of poverty or Vulnerability is seen as a structural
marginalization. issue, both caused by and leading to
unequal power relations in society.

An increase in justice may be

Justice achieved as a by-product of Justice is the focus of the efforts. Thus
meeting needs, but it does not it tends to challenge traditional, social,
explore the injustices that led to the cultural and even legal practices and
deprivation in the first place. norms that may foster injustice.

Tends to work with the symptoms
of discrimination, rather than
Discrimination causes.
Deals with the causes of discrimination,
because it works with the power
imbalance between authorities and
vulnerable groups that support such
discrimination.

Works towards ensuring the

Accountability In A projects, accountability is only
in terms of outcomes – so that the
funding agency (governmental or
nongovernmental) is satisfied that
funds are used for what was
intended.
Citizenship
accountability of the state and other
service-providers, and push them to
fulfill their obligations to respect the
rights of all, especially of marginalized
people.
 Citizens are perceived as
beneficiaries who hopefully enjoy
the largesse of the government
Citizens are seen as significant actors
in a democratic state, and so
emphasize opening up direct channels
of communication between citizens
(and other people living within a state‘s
jurisdiction, such as refugees) and the
state‘s
officers/institutions

By opening up space for expressing

Conflict
The aim is to avoid upheaval and
discontent by somehow arranging
to satisfy the needs of the
community.
demands and multi-way communication
among stakeholders, RBAS create
possibilities in conflict prevention,
although at times they may also
function in a conflictual manner.
Grievances simmering beneath the
surface can be and are brought into
open debate for negotiation orchalleges

FRAMEWORK FOR NEEDS-BASED SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL

Needs Assessment: The first step in the framework is to conduct a comprehensive

needs assessment. This involves identifying and understanding the specific needs of
individuals or communities. The assessment can be done through surveys,
interviews, or data analysis to gather information about the social, economic, and
psychological needs of the target population.

Target Population Identification: Once the needs are assessed, the framework
focuses on identifying the target population that requires the services. This involves
determining the specific demographic or social groups that are most affected by the
identified needs. It helps in tailoring the services to the unique requirements of the
target population.

Service Design and Planning: Based on the needs assessment and target
population identification, the framework guides the design and planning of the
services. This includes developing programs, interventions, or initiatives that address
the identified needs. The services can range from healthcare, education, housing,
employment, or any other essential support required by the target population.

Resource Allocation: The framework emphasizes the importance of resource

allocation to effectively deliver the services. This involves identifying and allocating
the necessary resources such as funding, personnel, infrastructure, and partnerships
with other organizations or stakeholders. Efficient resource allocation ensures that
the services are delivered in a sustainable and impactful manner.

Service Delivery: Once the services are designed and the resources are allocated,
the framework focuses on the actual delivery of the services. This can be done
through various channels such as community centers, social service agencies,
healthcare facilities, or online platforms. The services should be accessible, culturally
sensitive, and tailored to meet the specific needs of the target population.

Monitoring and Evaluation: The framework emphasizes the importance of

monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the services. This involves collecting
data, measuring outcomes, and assessing the impact of the services on the target
population. Regular monitoring and evaluation help identify areas for improvement
and ensure that the services are continuously meeting the needs of the individuals or
communities.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration and partnerships play a crucial role

in the framework for a needs-based service delivery model. This involves working
with other social welfare organizations, government agencies, community leaders,
and stakeholders to leverage resources, share best practices, and coordinate efforts
in addressing the identified needs. Collaboration ensures a comprehensive and
holistic approach to service delivery.

Advocacy and Policy Development: The framework recognizes the importance of

advocacy and policy development in addressing social welfare needs. It involves
advocating for policy changes, reforms, or improvements that can positively impact
the target population. This can include advocating for increased funding, policy
reforms, or the development of new legislation to address social welfare issues
effectively.

Elements of good practices under a human rights-based approach

● Programmes identify the realization of human rights as ultimate goals of

development.

● People are recognized as key actors in their own development, rather than
passive recipients of
commodities and services.

● Participation is both a means and a goal.

● Both outcomes and processes are monitored and evaluated.

● Programmes focus on marginalized and excluded groups.

● The development process is locally owned.

● Programmes aim to reduce disparities and empower those left behind.

● Situation analysis is used to identify immediate, underlying and root causes of

development problems.

● Analysis includes all stakeholders, including the capacities of the state as the
main duty-bearer and the role of other non-state actors.
 ● Human Rights standards guide the formulation of measurable goals, targets
and indicators in programming.

References:
Hamm B. (2001) A Human Rights Approach to Develpment,

Spicker, P. (2013). Introducing Universal Credit. Social Policy Review 25, 3-22.

Tearfund learn,( 2006), from needs -based to right -based approach advocacy.
Knowledgesouk. Org. (2022), comparison between right based and need based
approach