RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH POLICY

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to adopt a rights-based approach in all activities of the Young Volunteers Association, establish standards for rights-based work, and ensure systematic integration of this approach into all programs.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all activities conducted by:

  • Board members
  • Staff
  • Volunteers
  • Project partners
  • Consultants
  • Service providers

3. Core Approach

The Young Volunteers Association views children and youth not as recipients of aid but as rights holders. Government institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders are considered duty bearers responsible for ensuring these rights.

4. Key Principles

4.1. Rights Ownership

Children and youth have rights to education, health, protection, participation, and development. These rights are inalienable and cannot be waived.

4.2. Non-Discrimination

The Association does not discriminate based on:

  • Religion
  • Language
  • Race
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Migrant status
4.3. Right to Participation

Children and youth have the right to:

  • Express their opinions on matters that concern them
  • Participate in decision-making processes
  • Influence the processes
4.4. Empowerment

The Association supports individuals not as passive recipients but as active participants who:

  • Create
  • Engage
  • Drive change
4.5. Accountability
  • Responsible for its activities
  • Transparent to stakeholders
  • Establishes feedback mechanisms
4.6. Transparency
  • All activities are conducted openly, traceably, and reportably

5. Implementation Principles

  • Conduct rights-based analysis in all projects
  • Prioritize disadvantaged groups
  • Use participatory methods
  • Contribute to policy development processes
  • Carry out advocacy at local and national levels

6. Priority Target Groups

  • Disadvantaged children
  • NEET youth
  • Migrant and refugee children
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Youth living in rural areas
  • Neglect and abuse victims

7. Institutional Responsibilities

Board of Directors:

  • Ensures the implementation of the policy
  • Makes strategic decisions according to a rights-based approach

Volunteers and Staff:

  • Adopt the rights-based approach
  • Play an active role in its implementation

Project Partners:

  • Comply with this policy

8. Training and Capacity Building

  • Provides training for volunteers and staff
  • Promotes rights-based tools and methods
  • Supports inter-institutional knowledge sharing

9. Monitoring and Evaluation

  • All activities are assessed according to rights-based criteria
  • Feedback mechanisms are actively used
  • Impact analyses are conducted

10. Effective Date

This policy takes effect on the date it is approved by the Board of Directors of the Young Volunteers Association.

11. Commitment

The Young Volunteers Association is committed to applying a participatory, inclusive, and sustainable approach that centers the rights of children and youth in all its activities.