Do local targeted programs really take into account the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs)? This question can be answered by evaluating such programs. This topic was the focus of the webinar “Analysis and Evaluation of Local Targeted Programs in Terms of Addressing and Meeting the Needs of IDPs”, which took place in May.
What was discussed?
During the webinar, participants were introduced to Methodological Recommendations on how to analyze and evaluate local targeted programs in relation to the needs of internally displaced persons.
Together with the speakers — Aliona Luniova, a Crimean human rights defender and Advocacy Director at the ZMINA Human Rights Center, and Yuliia Lisova, a lawyer and expert in the field of IDP rights protection — participants explored the following questions:
- Why is it important to evaluate local programs in the context of IDP needs?
- What are the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of such programs?
- How to organize the evaluation process — where to start, what tools to use, and how to involve the local community?
The webinar participants learned that the main goal of regularly analyzing local targeted programs is to increase their effectiveness in improving the lives of IDPs. This is achieved by aligning programs with the real needs of internally displaced persons. It includes adaptation, integration, and, when necessary, support for return.
The main principles of evaluation include:
- objectivity and impartiality;
- professionalism;
- completeness (comprehensive analysis);
- dispositivity;
- well-reasoned conclusions;
- transparency;
- ethical interaction during the evaluation process.
The 18-point evaluation scale described in the methodological recommendations allows the interpretation of results as follows:
0–4 points — the program does not take into account (or poorly considers) the situation and needs of IDPs
5–10 points — the program partially considers IDP needs and may have a positive impact
11–18 points — the program takes into account IDP needs and includes actions that have had or will have a positive impact
What are the benefits for communities that evaluate the effectiveness of local programs for IDPs?
Evaluation helps not only to assess how effective and accessible local programs are but also to timely introduce improvements that promote IDP integration, increase their social protection, and build trust in local authorities.
You can learn more about how to apply the evaluation criteria and which parts of local programs should be assessed by watching the recording of the webinar.
The webinar is organized by the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine and the Council of Europe Project “Facilitating Access to Human Rights and Essential Services for Internally Displaced Persons and Returnees at the community level,” implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine for 2023–2026 “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction”.
This publication was made with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and does not reflect the views of UNHCR.
