Using the so called Common Understanding among UN agencies as a starting point for what is characteristic of human rights based approaches to development cooperation, the author discusses what the approach implies in the area of HIV/AIDS and food security. First, it is considered what it means that human rights are to be goals and guiding principles in development efforts. Second, the issue of human rights-based situation analysis as the basis for identifying priorities and action is raised. Third, the meaning of developing the capacities of rights-holders to claim and realize their human rights and of duty-bearers to meet their obligations is elaborated upon. Field research carried out by CARE International in Malawi is analyzed in order to put these questions into a practical context.