Grave Violations against Children in Armed Conflict: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

This presentation will focus on a process evaluation of the U.N. Secretary General’s Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) for grave violations against children in armed conflict. The evaluation sought to identify the key... [ view full abstract ]

This presentation will focus on a process evaluation of the U.N. Secretary General’s Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) for grave violations against children in armed conflict. The evaluation sought to identify the key elements of successful implementation, to identify gaps and best practices, and to produce a monitoring and evaluation framework and tools for usage in any MRM implementing situation. Two case study countries of Colombia and South Sudan were chosen to illustrate different economic, socio-cultural, and logistic contrasts. In each country, a baseline quantitative measure was accompanied by qualitative key informant interviews and direct observation of coordination meetings, trainings, and data entry. Interviews covered a wide array of respondents, ranging from U.N. staff that lead MRM processes to NGOs that directly engage with affected communities. Results showed mixed results across several elements of operations, including training and materials, funding for implementation, the flow of information, and data collection and analysis. More importantly, a critical lack of clarity in the limits of the mandate of the MRM and in operational procedures caused tension: 1) among MRM actors and 2) between the MRM system and civil society actors that serve directly affected communities. The evaluation additionally found other areas of operation that can be highlighted as successes, particularly in monitoring and advocacy. The results of this evaluation provide important lessons on how the MRM system operates and where it needs to be strengthen, with a particular focus on affected communities and children. Dissemination of the findings are crucial in assuring transparency and in conducting global advocacy to strengthen the MRM to better serve children.