x To explore whether a rights based approach could be an appropriate method for NGOs to employ for effective housing provision
This section explores whether employing a rights based approach to housing provision would be an effective strategy for NGOs working in Addis Ababa. Research question four will be discussed in relation to this objective. Through the exploration of the literature and research findings, the suitability of the approach will be assessed.
7.3.1 NGO contribution to the facilitation of a rights based approach to housing within Addis Ababa
Housing has been recognised as a human right since the formulation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, where it is stated that
everyone is entitled to an adequate standard of living, encompassing housing. However, as discussed throughout Chapter Three, even with these
international declarations in place the emergence of a rights based approach to development has only begun to gain momentum over the past two
decades. Amartya Sen has played a central role in encouraging the
development community to recognise the intrinsic links between rights and development. Literature by Molyneux and Lazar (2003) and Llewellyn-Fowler and Overton (2010) suggest that this approach has been strongly advocated by NGOs, since they have the ability (and are in a position) to work closely with the rights holders.
When engaging in a discussion on what the RBA encompasses, literature by Llewellyn and Overton (2010), Cornwell and Nyamu-Musembi (2004) and Jochnick (1997), all express the variety of ways in which this approach can be viewed and implemented. However, there is consistency amongst the
literature reviewed in Chapter Three, in regards to the underlying intentions of the approach, which are: firstly, to strengthen the capacity of the rights
holders, thus empowering them to claim their rights; and secondly, to strengthen the capacity of the duty holders to help realise the fulfilment of those rights.
Despite the overarching aims of the approach being agreed upon, theorists and academics have openly criticised it for having such a multitude of implementation methods. Cornwall and Nyamu-Musembi (2004) outline this major issue with an example of four different ways right-based development could be put into practice. Banik (2010) outlines the sentiments of most
literature surrounding rights when he expresses that the focus of the approach is largely theoretical and the practical implementation is still a largely
underdeveloped idea. Despite the uncertainty about implementation, a number of prominent international NGOs (for example, OXFAM and Action Aid) are operating from a rights based perspective. Furthermore, the United Nations has also adopted the framework into some of its programmes, using it as a tool for developing assessments. Gready (2008) emphasises the risk of a rights based approach to development becoming highly tokenistic, as
organisations utilise it to simply move with current thinking and practices, in order to satisfy donor demands.
The findings from the fieldwork reveal an alarming human rights situation in Ethiopia, with literature from Amnesty International describing Ethiopia as a country displaying some of the most restricted human rights and advocacy laws in the world. These findings strongly suggest that, under the current regime, any engagement with a rights-based approach to development by NGOs would put them and the communities in which they work at significant risk. Participants are understandably cautious when discussing issues of rights ─ and a staff member from one of the NGOs has previously been imprisoned for campaigning against the government on issues related to human rights.
The Charities and Societies Proclamation of 2009 has had a devastating effect on the ability of NGOs to work from a rights based perspective, and it has effectively has banned all engagement with advocacy and rights. Two out of three NGOs stated that, previously, they took a rights based stance on the housing issues faced in Addis Ababa, however, this was crippled in 2009. Both participants report having to change their mission statements and cease many of the programmes that they were running, since they were no longer permitted. They also report that the post-2009 situation has been difficult and programme planning must be negotiated with care to ensure that no violations regarding rights are made. However, participants from all the NGOs express ways in which they are carefully engaging in low-level rights based
awareness. One organisation states that, even though they are unable to facilitate seminars or advocacy meetings, working within the communities is still valued, since their presence can educate people on issues such as hygiene and clean living.
As discussed in previous chapters, the Ethiopian government operates in a heavy top-down manner. They have systematically created a climate of fear and control within Ethiopia. A participant reflects upon this situation and
describes the devastating situation now for NGOs, as being one where people are scared and unwilling to be involved in the sector, since they do not want to be implicated through association. Upon reviewing document sources, it is evident that the government has limited regard for the rights of its citizens.
This can be exemplified through the extensive slum clearances that have been undertaken within Addis Ababa.
Even though the literature states that housing is a human right, in the case of Addis Ababa a rights based approach to housing is not an appropriate
framework for NGOs to employ. When reflecting upon a rights-based
approach, the literature that was reviewed in Chapter Three has shown that, despite some flaws regarding implementation, the approach has been taken up by many NGOs. Unfortunately, much of the literature disregards the issue of context, which in this case is extremely important. When we reflect upon a rights based framework theoretically it is sound, but it also requires the support from and engagement with governments, in order to be successful. The rights based approach is highly dependent on the government’s capacity and ability to realise the rights of its citizens. In addition, NGOs need to have the capacity to implement the approach and (as discussed in Chapter Five) the NGO sector in Addis Ababa suffers from a significant lack of capacity and organisation. This situation is due largely to their short history and previous restrictions, which have only allowed them to engage in relief activities, thus leaving little time for growth and development.