Building Local Capacity: The Case of UNICEF’s ‘Village Assaini’ in DRC

Despite global progress, poverty persists in many developing countries, where national and donor-led strategies often fail to produce real change. This book examines whether a human rights–based approach to development (HRBAD), rooted in capacity development, can support sustainable and locally driven state-building. Combining a literature review with a field case study of UNICEF’s village assaini programme in Kongo Central (DRC), it explores local understandings of rights - especially the right to water. The study highlights two key insights: the need to expand the notion of ‘duty-bearers’ to include actors such as private companies and development agencies, and the importance of strengthening ‘rights consciousness’ among marginalized communities. By revisiting HRBAD principles - participation, accountability and empowerment - it proposes a more inclusive approach to capacity development. The conclusion offers practical ways for states, donors and citizens to better operationalize HRBAD and advance more sustainable, people-centred development.