The Rights-Based Approach to Social Protection in Latin America: From Rethoric to Practice

Abstract

This paper is intended as a contribution to the theoretical and conceptual development of a human rights-based focus in social protection policies and programmes, and analyses the lessons learned in flagship programmes around the region that have sought to advance the rights-based approach. The paper highlights the obligatory nature and the value added of the rights-based approach, describes the normative content of the right to social security, and examines the basic elements of a human rights perspective, analysing the implications of this principle for the design, implementation and evaluation of social protection policies and programmes. It also examines some specific social protection programmes introduced in the region, and shows that, despite the great gulf that still exists between the rhetoric on the rights-based approach and its implementation in concrete policies, some countries of the region have made significant progress. Achievements to date can serve as an example for consolidating a rights-based approach within and beyond the region. The paper concludes with some recommendations for consolidating a rights-based approach in social protection policies and programmes.