Who we work with
Equalinrights works with grassroots organisations, social movements, development non-governmental organisations (NGOs), trade unions, human rights NGOs, church-based and other civil society groups. We engage with both individual organisations and existing networks, committed to a common vision on which the mission and goals of equalinrights are founded.
At this stage, we are prioritising development organisations that seek to adopt a human
rights-based approach (HBRA) in their work. However, we do not require our partners to follow this approach to development in all their programs or in their organisational structure. While holistic application of the HBRA is an overriding long-term goal, we realise that its substantial internationalisation and application is a significant and ongoing process of learning and adopting. It can even be counter-productive to move too fast in mandating this approach within an organisation.
Moreover, applying a HRBA means a lot more than just putting new names to old ways. Equalinrights stands strongly against the common overzealous application of the term. Therefore, we support a real process of change - from agenda setting to program implementation - through an honest application of the principles of human rights-based strategies. Where partners act in conflict with essential elements of these principles, we will discuss the issue and seek to negotiate a solution acceptable to all parties. If this is not possible, Equalinrights reserves the right to withdraw its support.
Partners
Partners may engage with Equalinrights in various activities. They include: resource sharing and networking; joint research projects; on-going support in applying a HRBA; support for exchange visits and for the development of required training materials. It is up to our partners to determine the extent of engagement, to use our resources and request our support where they feel it would be of benefit.
Eastern Africa Coalition on Economic Social and cultural rights
EACOR is a coalition of church based and non-church based development actors in the Eastern Africa region. Its goal is to empower organisations to effectively pursue the social, economic and cultural rights of people living in poverty.
Evolution of the Network
Attending an Economic Social and Cultural (ESC) rights workshop in 2001, three members of the current EACOR observed the ways in which South African countries adopted a rights-based approach to their development initiatives. People’s lives were being transformed, particularly those in poverty. With great resolve, the three representatives undertook an “evangelical” journey towards replicating this process of transformation in the Eastern African region. The nexus between poverty and rights abuse was seen as integral in sustaining and promoting the dignity of peoples around the region. They agreed that shifting the development paradigm through a rights-based approach was the most viable response. In order to accomplish this, EACOR was established in April 2003. It was resolved that they needed a focal point to secure organised and structured networking, as well as country ESC rights chapters, to spearhead the coalition work.
Activities
EACOR seeks to network and build partnerships around ESC rights, particularly through supporting consultative workshops and advocacy coalitions at national, regional and international levels. It also collects and disseminates information that involves mapping exercises on ESC rights - to identify actors and issues for engagement at these same levels. EACOR intends to build the capacity of partners on ESC rights. It also seeks to support lobbying and advocacy actions aimed at creating change and transforming the socio-economic and cultural status of people living in poverty and injustice. EACOR is housed by BEACON.
Some of the country coalition contact persons are included below:
| Country | Representative | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | BEACON | beacon(at)bidii.com |
| Uganda | AWEPON | awepon(at)africaonline.co.ug |
| Tanzania | TDFT | mlimukad(at)yahoo.com |
| Ethiopia | NCA | kibret(at)nca-ethiopia.org |
| Eritrea | berhanewoldemichael(at)yahoo.co.uk | |
| Rwanda | Saferrwanda | saferrwanda@yahoo.co.uk |
For details about activities, you will be able to find the two year report here shortly! Or contact Mrs. Jacqueline A. Mugisha: info(at)eacor.org.
Acknowledgements
Equalinrights would like to express its appreciation of the following persons and institutions that have helped equalinrights get to where we are now:
Yolanda Carati (Mexico) for translating the equalinrights website from English into Spanish;
Derhan Dogan (Turkey) for his work as an intern at the beginning stage of equalinrights' existence;
Rebecca Parnell (UK) for her wonderful designs of the equalinrights logo and information brochure;
Rosalie Nezien (USA) for translating equalinrights' website into French;
David Owens (USA) for working with us during his SIM Summer Internship;
Myra Slaiby (Lebanon) for helping shape equalinrights during her internship at our office;
Dennis Suichies (Netherlands) for his valuable ICT advice;
Lieke Thijssen (Netherlands) for her assistance in editing the contents of our website;
The Trust for Community Outreach and Education (TCOE) (South Africa) and more specifically Paul Grendon, Fanie Jason and Siphiwe Sibeko for permitting us to make use of their pictures on our website;
Wizzbit (Netherlands) for maintaining and hosting the Equalinrights website and for providing an excellent service.
Webfauna (Netherlands) for constructing the Equalinrights website.
Thank you!
