FAIR -rights based decision making


The FAIR approach to rights based decision making

It is useful to have a framework to apply to analysing whether decisions are taken in a Human Rights compliant way.  One such approach is the FAIR approach which can be useful in clarifying the issues and responsibilities for putting human rights into practice, particularly when faced with a complex or mutli-faceted situation

It is worth remembering that many of the issues we are looking at are unlikely to reach the threshold for being classified as a human rights violation in the legal sense. 

Nevertheless, looking at them through a human rights lens can help to resolve issues in a way which respects the dignity, autonomy and rights of the individuals involved.

What are the stages of a FAIR approach?


Facts: -What is the experience of the individual? Are they being heard? What are the important facts to understand?

Analysis of rights at stake: -What are the human rights at stake? Can the rights be restricted? What is justification for restricting the right? Is the restriction proportionate?

Identify shared responsibilities: -What changes are necessary? Who has responsibilities for making changes?

Review actions: -Have the actions taken been appropriately recorded and reviewed and has the individual been involved?



Last modified: Thursday, 30 January 2020, 3:51 PM