English Mental health and gender-based violence English version | Page 41

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The relevance of human rights
SAID ALOUD

The relevance of human rights

Aim . To introduce human rights and their value for those working with trauma .
In this training , we will examine what happens to women who are survivors of violence , including sexual violence , the effects of violence on women , and how we can assist women who survive to recover their strength and hope and self-esteem .
PART II : THE TRAINING
Human rights for women are an important starting point . Adopting a human rights-based approach requires us to be very attentive to the dignity and humanity of every person . It is about always showing respect to others and about the need to restore self-respect after violations or humiliation . It is about recovering control over your own life and activity after violations . It implies resisting all forms of abuse and violation , and all forms of disrespect and humiliation , in accordance with principles of justice and fairness . It means doing everything possible to prevent abuses and protect and assist survivors of human rights violations .
A human rights-based approach takes full account of international human rights , bears these in mind at all times , and respects human rights in all that is done . One of its objectives is to enable people to understand and claim their rights , and act in ways that ensure rights are enjoyed . In addition , those who adopt a human rights-based approach speak out against abuse and violations , highlight the prohibition of severe human rights abuses , and emphasise that individuals should be protected against violations of rights and are entitled to reparations if they occur . Accountability and justice are highly important . A human rights-based approach seeks to make those who are responsible for human rights violations accountable for their actions . Several principles are of fundamental importance when applying a human rights-based approach in practice .
• Participation . Everyone has the right to participate in decisions that affect their own lives and human rights .
• Accountability is the requirement that governments and public institutions should hold officials responsible for their actions , in accordance with their human rights obligations . Individuals who seek help or who report violations or the conduct of officials must have information made available to them that clearly states the response they are entitled to expect .
• Non-discrimination and equality . Discrimination is prohibited under al circumstances . All forms of discrimination with respect to the realization of rights must be prevented and sanctioned .
• Empowerment . Human rights law does not affirm empowerment is a right . It states that individuals and communities are entitled to know and understand their rights and how to access them . It further states that individuals and groups are entitled to engage and participate in developing policy and practices that affect their lives , and that governments have a duty to secure this entitlement .
• Legal obligations to respect human rights . All persons should understand and recognise that their rights are enforceable , through the national and international system of human rights agreed by the world ’ s states .
Write down these principles and post them on the wall for everyone to remember .