The Problem-Oriented Approach to Improving National Human Rights Action Plans

By conducting a textual analysis of the National Human Rights Action Plans of 39 countries, this study revealed that these plans are faced with at least 14 significant problems in the 'pre-phase' and the four phases of planning-these are preparatory phase; development phase; implementation phase; and assessment phase. The problems include: non-compliance; tardiness; lack of a baseline study; ideological orientation; non-correspondence; lack of comprehensiveness; lack of coordination; supporting the status quo; lack of time frame; lack of transparency; lack of accountability; lack of resources; lack of monitoring mechanism; and lack of evaluation mechanism. These problems are best addressed by attempting to remove or mitigate their root causes. In this regard, this study explored three important root causes of the problems: the lack of political will; the lack of stakeholder awareness; and the traditional concept of planning. This suggested building three response strategies including: a shift from unitary systems of government to more horizontally-organized system of networked governance; raising awareness of such plans; and a strategic move towards the modern concept of planning. By directing corrective measures at root causes, it is hoped that the likelihood of recurrence of problems will be minimized.