LaBerge, Marie/UNDP 2008."Claiming the MDGs: Anempowerment framework"
- Objective: To develop a framework for a complementary tool to help policy makers account for democratic governance throughout the MDG planning cycle, rather than addressing it only at the end of the implementation process.
- Key characterstics: Ex-ante guide analyzes the missing links between MDG policy input and the set of policy outcomes which are assumed to flow from these inputs; and how to carry out an empowerment check, related to the missing links between MDG outcomes, their assumed sustainability and their assumed pro-poor orientation. Provides a template design.
- Brief summary:
Guide related to all rights that are MDG-related,focusing on the obligation to fulfill (in terms of democratic governmentassessments and capacity assessments), using pro-poor and gender sensitiveindicators that can measure democratic governance, and meant for any userinvolved in the MDG planning process, both at the national and internationallevels (ie, government officials and international organizations).
- Best used for: Focusing on issues related to vulnerable groups and issues related to the capacity to reach these vulnerable groups.
- Data needed: Qualitative data, especially to identify the most vulnerable.
- Tested?: Not mentioned
- Possible disadvantages: This is not a tool, but rather a guide of "what to look for" when undertaking sector-based needs assessments to inform an MDG-based planning exercise; this could possibly make it insufficient when used on its own. Strong in guiding user in asking the right questions, but the user may then need more guidance in terms of coming up with concrete conclusions as to what needs to be done, and clearly identifying where the duty-bearer is lacking. This maybe need a follow-up guide to help the user with these next steps?
- Going forward: Possibilities for using this framework on other PRSPs, even though designed only for the MDGs?
- Complementary tools: OHCHR paper on inserting HRBA into MDG process, tools that allow for identification of vulnerable groups (such as OHCHR's paper on indicators) through disaggregation. Combine with tools that help to make a human rights case.