Guiding principles for human rights field officers: working in conflict and post-conflict environments

Human rights protection is a fundamental component of development work. For without adequate safeguards - and a basic level of security - there is little hope that constructive, engaged work can take place. This is no more so than in conflict and post-conflict situations where real vigilance is required to safeguard the local populace caught in either violent or tense situations.

This paper seeks to enhance the professionalism of Human Rights Field Officers (HRFO) by offering a set of guidelines for ‘best practice’ for those working in conflict and post-conflict situations. The authors stress that the report will also be of assistance to those who engage with such human rights field operations such as humanitarian and development agencies, and international military and police.

The guide covers key areas, including:

• Law: rather than focusing solely on the violation of civil and political rights, it is now recognised that discriminatory practices and the direct violation of economic, social and cultural rights are often one of the root causes of conflict
  
• Objectives: The HRFO will often engage in all three types of protection activities: responding to specific acts, seeking remedies, restitution and compensation for victims and building an environment where sound laws and policies and effective institutions prevent or punish further violations. There is no hierarchy and all three are essential to enhancing human rights
  
• Monitoring: integral to all functions of the HRFO: reporting, capacity building, advocacy, protection, corrective action, awareness-raising and education initiatives, evaluations of the impact of HRFOs’ work and priorities for follow-up action
  
• Reporting: a major protection role, including through prevention and accountability. ‘Diagnostic reporting’ identifies the causes of violations and solutions. Reporting is never done merely to condemn but always with the objective of achieving greater protection of human rights
  
• Partnerships: defines the work of HRFOs. Without close cooperation, consultation and communication with international and national partners, HRFOs will never succeed. The best partnerships promote the primacy of local actors.

The paper also offers a French and Spanish translation.