This paper provides background information and analysis on the relevance of rights-based approaches (RBAs) to development for the provision of social protection (SP) in developing countries, supported through international development assistance. This background paper does not purport to serve as programmatic guidance; it only identifies key arguments and some illustrations of the relevance of RBAs for social protection. It needs to be read in conjunction with the overarching position paper (Shepherd, 2004) as well as the other background papers.