IHRN's Human Rights Based Approaches have been developed through practical experience and elaborated in policy positions since 1996. Policy discussion continues to evolve in the light of new contexts and applications. For example, the report Human Rights Based Approaches and EU Development Policies, launched in 2008 and the international conference Measuring Justice: justice sector evaluation & human rights, in 2009.

As part of this process, international fora have been convened with representatives of relevant organisations and key stake-holders including host societies and donors. At various times, the support of the following has been central: the European Commission, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Europe, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights) and Trócaire.

IHRN publications are part of a process of continiung advocacy. They are made available free of charge, with the request that the source is identified when they are disseminated or when extracts are used.

The documents are in PDF or Microsoft Word format. If you do not have a copy of Microsoft Word you can download the Microsoft Word reader (2261Kb) free.

• Organisational learning in order to fully integrate human rights
• Human Rights fieldwork: The need for real partnership with host society
• The right to participate in international human rights fieldwork
• Nepal: Learning from UN Human Rights Fieldwork
• Effective training for fieldwork
• Integrating human rights in humanitarian response; and
• Integrating human rights in foreign policy.

Integrating Human Rights in Ireland's Foreign Policy

Ireland chaired the United Nations Security Council during the crucial month of October 2001, which saw the start of the US-UK military response to the criminal attacks on the US of 11th September 2001. This article examines the right to self-defence in international law and in light of this, considers the Irish Government's policy position during its Presidency of the Security Council. The article highlights the need for effective systems to ensure that Irish foreign policy is formed, and informed, by international law.

Ireland, the Security Council and Afghanistan: Promoting or undermining the international rule of law? by Karen Kenny, published in the Trocaire Development Review 2001.