Rights-Based Approaches to Development: Introduction

This digest offers a multidimensional, well-chosen, and timely compilation of resources analyzing the myriad relationships between fields devoted to the realization of human rights and human development. I appreciate having the opportunity to introduce the issue for two reasons. First, the contributors perform a tremendous service to both fields. They have created an accessible pathway to works that engage: the normative, substantive, and empirical dimensions of the human rights/development nexus; key debates among theoreticians, policy-makers, and practitioners concerning this nexus; inclusive analysis of institutional frameworks and actors; and attention to both opportunities for, and challenges to, the realization of increasingly holistic and converging visions of human rights and sustainable human development.

This contribution is invaluable. Second, introducing this issue allows me to highlight briefly some of the bases for the mutual understanding and cooperation needed to realize common human rights and human development agendas.