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Evaluation of OHCHR Office in Colombia

The International Human Rights Network was invited to conduct an independent evaluation of the OHCHR Office in Colombia by a group of some of the donors who fund its work: Canada (focal point for the evaluation), Spain, USAID, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the OHCHR in Bogota.

The objective was to provide an independent qualified analysis of the presence and effectiveness of OHCHR as a change-factor in the human rights situation in Colombia.

To achieve this objective, the team was asked to analyse whether the presence and work of OHCHR is:

    1. Contributing to awareness and respect for human rights and if so, how (results and effects)?

    2. Relevant in the context of the deterioration of the existing conflict and to the deterioration of the public institutions in Colombia? Related questions include whether the Office is:

    3. Contributing to institution strengthening?

    4. Addressing effectively the human rights of women/ and implementing a gender strategy?

    5. Strengthening the ‘full integration’ of human rights by the UN system in Colombia (how does it interact with the other agencies?)

    6. Throughout, the evaluation was requested to assess whether the activities of OHCHR are approached in an integrated manner such that they are mutually reinforcing?

    7. What, if any, comparative advantage does it have relative to a Special Rapporteur?

    8. Relationships: has OHCHR Geneva facilitated the Colombia office as a change-factor in the human rights context in Colombia?

The IHRN team was led by Karen Kenny, with Grahame Morphey (management specialist) and Patty Abozaglo (development programming). The IHRN external advisor was Jorge Taiana, formerly Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights.

Process: The evaluation was designed as a process to facilitate development by OHCHR and other relevant actors. A strong commitment was expressed by donors to building on the discussion stiumlated with the Office. The report provided a basis for discussion to enhance their relationships and effectiveness in seeking positive human rights change. It is not a public report.