The fourth thematic area concerns protective factors in securing human rights. Adopting the WHO's ecological model CAHRV will review and integrate research on multiple levels of potentially protective factors, from individual characteristics, to the family micro system, social and community networks, and the wider culture. This model, though widely used as a conceptual tool, has received little empirical attention in a holistic way. Most research to date has focused on the first two levels (individual and family factors), whereas few studies have addressed the workings of community and societal factors.

CAHRV uses two central organizing concepts to structure its integration activities in this thematic area: work and family. Both, along with related social networks, constitute significant social environments for the conflicts and tensions inherent in gendered, social and economic organization. Work, family, and social networks provide spaces to learn and practice productive conflict resolution and the kind of interpersonal solidarity that can effectively counter violence and social exclusion. As central forms of the social and economic organization of peoples' every day lives, work and family are keys to the attainment of human rights.

In charting research on protective factors CAHRV will address a wide range of family and work related issues, including governmental family support strategies, informal social networks, intergenerational solidarity, social inclusion, changing work structures and their gender-specific impact, and approaches to conflict resolution and peace-making.

For more information on Protective Factors and Work, please contact Ralf Puchert, Dissens, Germany.

For more information on Protective Factors, Households of Choice / Social Networks, please contact Corinne May-Chahal, University of Lancaster, England.