Danida

Human Rights and Good Governance Programme

Bangladesh

Phase I (2001-2005)

Programme Completion Report

(Programme Grant)

December 2006

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 1

FORMAT 1:
PROGRAMME AND PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT1

104.Bang.204.DAC
_____________
(file number)
1. BASIC PROGRAMME/PROJECT DATA

Country: Bangladesh
Name of programme: Human Rights and Good Governance Programme
Budget account number2 6.32.02.11
UMF account number: 501.2041
Purpose code3: 15063
Programme period: (planned) 2001-2005 (actual)
2002 – 2005
Total Danida contribution (DKK, planned) 48,78 mio (DKK, actual) 32,87
Date of agreement: 12. 09. 2001
Date of programme end: 31.12.2005
Programme manager: Lars Iskjær ( 15.05.02 - 15.05.05)
Shireen Huq (15.05.05 - 08.10.05)
Hans Hoffmeyer (08.10.05 - 31.12.05)
All national partner organisations
(incl. local government):
1. BLAST (Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust)
2. BRCT (Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims )
3. MLAA (Madaripur Legal Aid Association)
4. WAVE Foundation and Governance Coalition
5. DemocracyWatch
6. BSEHR (Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights)
7. MMC (Mass-line Media Centre )
8. BCDJC (Bangladesh Centre for Development Journalism and Communication )
9. NN (News Network )
10.PIB (Press Institute of Bangladesh )
11.BSS (Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha)
12.RU (Department of Mass Communicaton, University of Rajshahi)
13. BS (Banchte Shekha)
14.NUK (Nari Uddug Kendra )
15.Shushilan
16.Rights Jessore
17.Naripokkho
18. BSAF (Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum )
19.TDC (Tripartite Development Council )

1 Programme and Project Completion Reports are prepared for sector programme support and other programme and
project activities, where the Danida contribution is exceeding DKK 5 million.
2 Budget account number is ‘finanslovskonto’ in Danish.
3 The five-digit purpose code specifies the DAC code.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 2

20.DNS (Durjoy Nari Sangha)
21.CDP (Coastal Development Partnership)
22.BARCIK (Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge )
23.BAF ( Bangladesh Adhivasi Forum)
24.AUS (Adivashi Unnayan Songstha )
25.IPDS (Indigenous Peoples Development Services )
26.Dipsikha
27.CIPRAD
28.Taungya

Other development partners

(donors): Norad, DFID, Novib, Netz, Christian AID (in relation to partners # 1, 3, 17)
Date of completing PCR: 30.06.06

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 3

2. FUNDING DATA

Funding modalities:(for example Danida separate, basket or other joint financing arrangement, budget
support)
30 out of a total of 33 projects have been financed entirely by Danida through the Programme
Grant and implemented by a total of 28 different NGOs. Only 3 projects have been co-
financed with other donors (Norad, DFID, Novib and Christian Aid) through basket fund
arrangements.

Focus area.1. (Institutionalization of HRGG) 6 projects, incl. 2 co-funded projects,

Focus area 2. (Media) 9 projects, Danida separate funding only
Focus area 3 (Women and Justice) 5 projects, incl 1 co-funded project
Focus area 4 (Child Protection) 4 projects, Danida separate funding only
Focus area 5. (Indigenous Peoples) 7 projects, Danida separate funding only

Danida funding (mio. Partner funding (mio. Other donors (mio.

DKK) DKK) DKK)
Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual
Total 48.78 32.873.999

Foc. area 1 11.00 7.140.493 26.5 26.5

Foc. area.2 12.00 6.927.146
Foc. area 3. 8.00 7.993.756 13.0 13.0
Foc. area.4 5.00 2.115.097
Foc. area.5 3.00 1.391.321
Technical 9.78 7.306.186
assistance
Total 15.91 (Total) Partner (DKK) Other donors (DKK)
undisbursed 13.43 (Projects) 39.5 39.5
2.48 (Technical assist.)

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 4

 Comments on major deviations between programme budgets and disbursements

The original programme period was envisaged to be five years (2001-2005), however the
Programme Support Unit (PSU) for the day to day management of the programme was not
established before October 2001, and the Adviser, Head of the Unit, was not fielded until
May 2002. Therefore PSU became fully staffed and operational in early 2003. These delays
hampered programme implementation.

Especially during the first year of the programme, Local Grant Authority (LGA) financed
projects were used to kick off the programme while awaiting the formal approval and the
signing of GOB agreement concerning the Programme Grant .While 25.57 mio. DKK from
the Programme Grant was used to finance 31 projects, 26.2 mio. DKK from LGA funds
have been used to finance 20 projects. This means that PSU was in charge of the supervision
and follow up on a total of 51 projects financed through two different funding mechanisms
with a total budget of 51.77 mio. DKK.. Thus, the extensive use of LGA funds as well as
the Programme Grant, has contributed to the under expenditure of the latter.

Besides, funds had been reserved for support to governmental guardian institutions, such as
Ombudsman , Anti Corruption Commission and Human Rights Commission. However none
of these institutions materialized, and the earmarked funds were later re-allocated to NGO’s.
However, many of the NGO partners were organizationally quite weak and had limited
capacity to plan, implement and monitor projects. The combination of the partners’ low
absorption and implementation capacity and the delays in obtaining NGO Affairs Bureau’s
clearance in accessing fund hampered implementation of some planned activities.

Finally, in spite of the delayed starting up of the programme which led to only three years of
effective implementation, and the fact that the implementation periods for 16 of the 33
approved projects financed by the Programme Grant were designed to go beyond 31.12.05, it
was decided to maintain the originally defined programme period. This was because it was
assessed to be important to develop a new and stronger programme frame which was more
focused, with a view to facilitate management and monitoring. Thus this also contributed to
the unspent funds.

The overall disbursement level in relation to approved budget is 64,2%, but a breakdown on
“focus area” level shows significant differences. Thus it is almost 100% in “focus area” 3
(Women and justice) and only 42% in “focus area” 4 (Child protection) and 46 % in “focus
area” 4 (indigenous peoples).”Focus area” 1 and 2 are close to average. These variations are
on one hand reflecting the complementary use of LGA funds, and on the other hand,
disproportions might be caused by the fact, that development of the programme portfolio has
been principally demand driven.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 5

 3. SUMMARY OF PROGRAMME/PROJECT ACTIVITIES

In order to understand the context and scope of the present report it is necessary to give a
brief explanation of the overall structure of the programme.

The HRGG Programme in Bangladesh has in its first phase not been a consistent programme
in a normal sense, since it was rather an umbrella covering existing commitments and planned
new interventions, along with project ideas within a common strategic framework defined by
4 programme level objectives and 7 focus areas, all related to 4 fundamental human rights
issues: (1) Rule of Law, (2) Civil Rights, (3) Women Rights and (4) Child Rights.

The use of 3 different funding mechanisms (Danida Board approvals of individual projects
(JATI,VAW,UCEP), Programme Grant and Local Authority Grants) imply different
reporting mechanisms, and the scope of the present report will be the Programme Grant
only, since other projects within the framework of the programme are being reported on
individually.

No objectives have been defined in relation to the 7 focus areas so they are not components
in a traditional sense, rather they describe broad problem areas. However projects within
these focus areas should relate to one or more of the 4 overall programme level objectives.

In the following, main activities as per focus area and projects is briefly described. In order to
show the significance of the support, the period and the Danida contribution (Programme
grant) is included.

Focus Area 1. (Institutionalization of HRGG), (6 projects)

 Advocacy activities to institutionalize HRGG

 Accountability of local government institutions
 Legal aid to poor and disadvantaged people

BLAST : Access to Justice for Realisation of HR and Advocacy for Empowerment of the poor
Danida Contribution: 949,705 DKK Period: April 2003 – December 2005
Provision of legal aid to poor population groups through legal services. Advocacy activities with the
aim of having an impact at the national policy level for protection of human rights.

DemocracyWatch: People’s Reporting Centre for Building local monitoring system for
strengthening Local Governments
Danida Contribution: 1,968,988 DKK Period: October 2003 - September 2005.
Establishment of local monitoring system for strengthening the local government institutions (Union
Parishad), including Local Citizen Committees. Monitoring and appraisal activities in relation to the
performance of the elected representatives and the local service providing institutions.

BRCT: Rapid Response Psychological Support Service for Victims of Torture & Organised Violence
Danida Contribution: 420,829 DKK Period: July 2003 - June 2004.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 6

 Establishment of a community based response mechanism for extending psychological support
services and medical treatment for victims of torture and organised violence in 20 selected districts of
Bangladesh.

MLAA: Women Access to Justice Through Alternative Dispute Resolution

Danida Contribution: 1,765,989 DKK Period: July 2004 – December 2005.
Promotion of the legal rights of poor especially women and children through legal awareness and
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

WAVE Strengthening Local Governance through Participatory and Responsive Public Services
Danida Contribution: 1,940,134 DKK Period: November 2004 - December 2005.
Activities to ensure accountability and responsiveness of local government institutions in the south-
western and northern parts of the country. Training of 32 local NGOs

BSEHR Holding 9th National Convention Day

Danida Contribution: 64,848 DKK Period: December 2004 - February 2005-
Advocacy and policy activities

Focus Area.2. (Media) (9 projects)

MMC: Strengthening the local press for the promotion of human rights and democratic values
Danida Contribution: 4,916,572 DKK Period: April 2003 –November
2005
Train grassroots level journalists, editors on human rights and governance issues, building
linkage between centre and periphery for better information flow, conduct research on
selected social issues, undertaking of lobbying and advocacy with local government for local
issues and national level for national issues regarding newspersons and HRGG. Publishing of
two quarterly newspapers from Noakhali and Barisal areas.

BCDJC Helpline for Media Professionals

Danida Contribution: 183,603 DKK Period: May 2004 – April 2005
Establishment of a mechanism that will provide short time emergency assistance to harassed
journalists and long time support to advocacy and awareness raising activities for the protection of
harassed journalists. BCDJC will be the lead organization to implement the project along with a
number of other partners.

BCDJC Study and National Conference of Women in Media

Danida contribution: 131,068 DKK Period December 2002- July 2003

BCDJC Women in Journalism

Danida Contribution: 644,64 DKK Period: July 2003-June 2005
Development of a Forum of Women Journalists to enable them to claim their rights and
raise their voices for a favourable work environment, including training, internships and
fellowships for women journalists, media ward etc. for creating a wider awareness for the
same.

NN: Web-Based Documentation Centre

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 7

 Danida Contribution: 272,64 DK Period: July 2003 – June 2005
Improvement of the condition for investigative journalism in Bangladesh through providing backup
information for the journalists.

PIB : Training of Journalists

Danida Contribution: 103,38 DKK Period: June 2004 – May 2005
Eight courses on Training of Journalists

BSS: Training of Journalists

Danida Contribution: 51,31 DKK Period: June 2004 – May 2005
Four courses on Training of Journalists

RU :Pilot Post-Graduate Diploma Course on Civic Journalism

Danida Contribution: 183,04 DKK Period: July 2005 – December 2005
Activities related to the set up of a one year diploma course for journalism graduates and working
journalists. 40 students admitted in each of two batches to be run on a pilot basis. Research, field
visit, report writing are included in the course design.

Programme Support Unit: Technical Assistance & Training of Trainers

Danida Contribution: DKK 441,01 Period: January 2004 – June 2005
Danish School of Journalism had been contracted, as a part of Technical Assistance, to plan and
implement a training programme in cooperation with a number of partners. The project is structured
around five “Training of Trainers” courses and four rounds of “Training of Journalists” courses. -
Technical support for developing content for the web-based documentation centre of News
Network.

Focus Area.3 (Women and Justice) (5 projects)

Banchte Shekha: Human Rights and Democracy Partnership

Danida Contribution: 2,93,39 DKK Period: September 2004 – August 2007
Extension of Alternative-Dispute-Resolution facilities through a network of 25 partner organisations
in the Greater Jessore area as a means of facilitating women’s access to justice.
NUK Strengthening Women’s Rights and Representation in Local Government Partner:
Proposed Danida Contribution: 1,99,638 DKK Period: November 2004 – October 2007
Training on roles and responsibilities of newly elected women members of Union Parishads,
workshops on gender and human rights for chairpersons for local government institutions and
different initiatives to increase collaboration between civil society actors and members of local
government institutions.
Shushilan: Institutionalization of Alternative Dispute Resolution for Socially Vulnerable Community
Danida Contribution 2,23,25 DKK Period: July 2004 - June 2007
Capacity building for institutionalisation of the ADR mechanism in the regions of Satkhira,
Kaliganj and Shyamnagar.

Rights Jessore: Combating Women and Children Trafficking at Greater Jessore District through
NGOs
Danida Contribution: 360,44 DKK Period: March 2003 - February 2005

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 8

 Fact-finding on trafficking, public campaign against trafficking of women and children, cross-
border collaboration and legal support for trafficking victims. Additional activities in this
phase are the formation of an NGO network against trafficking, prison visits for the release
of trafficking victims and publications on trafficking.

Naripokkho Consolidating the National Platform for the Women’s Movement: Doorbar
Danida Contribution: 1,116,610 DKK. Period: January 2004 – December 2006
Institutional Strengthening of the Network, enhancing the capacity of network members to deal with
Violence Against Women; capacity building of network members for Political Empowerment; and,
decentralisation of network management.

Focus Area.4 (Child Protection) (5 Projects)

BSAF Networking and Advocacy on Child Rights in Bangladesh Phase 2

Danida Contribution: 1,062,899 DKK Period: April 2003 - March 2005.
Development of networking and advocacy mechanisms for child rights focusing on child protection
and participation (BSAF is an umbrella organisation of 152 NGOs working on child rights. )

TDC Protection of Street Children’s Rights in Rajshahi

Danida contribution: 706,149 DKK Period: October 2004 – December 2005
Protective and preventive measures designed for addressing the root causes of street children
phenomena. Night shelter and drop in centres created.

DNS Protection of rights of Sex workers children

Danida Contribution: 88,245 DKK Period: July 2005- December 2005
Establishment of the rights of the children of sex workers and the development of a centre which
provides a child friendly environment and conduct awareness and advocacy on the issue.

CDP Situation Analysis on Child Rights in the Shrimp Sector in the South-West Region of
Bangladesh
Danida contribution: 68,495 DKK Period: September 2005 – December 2005
The study explored and analyzed the extent of child rights violations in the shrimp industry and
recommend interventions.

BARCIK Promotion of Indigenous Children’s Rights in Bangladesh

Danida contribution: 189,308 DKK Duration: July 2005- December 2005
Activities with a number of indigenous peoples based organizations throughout the country
particularly for the indigenous peoples in the plain land to create an enabling environment for the
promotion and implementation of the Child Rights Convention in those communities.

Focus Area.5. (Indigenous Peoples) (7 projects)

BAF Celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Observation of 2nd decade of Indigenous Peoples.
Promotion of Garo culture
Danida Contribution: 133,528 DKK Period: July 2003- October 2005
Celebrations used as platform for advocacy activities

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 9

 AUS Celebration of the International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples.
Danida Contribution: 22,613 DKK Period: July 2004 - December 2005
Celebrations used as platform for advocacy activities

AUS: Promoting Human Rights through ensuring Indigenous Peoples Participation

Danida Contribution: 340,112 DKK Period: July 2004 - December 2005
Strengthening the indigenous communities to develop their own support mechanisms.

IPDS Promotion of Human Rights of Indigenous People

Danida Contribution 225,927 DKK Period: August 2004 - December 2005
Promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples and to strengthen the ability of indigenous community
leaders to undertake effective advocacy and to facilitate their access to national policy levels

Dipshika Awareness Building on Human Rights and Good Governance among the Adivasi
communities
Danida Contribution: 442,987 DK Period: October 2004 - December 2005
Awareness building and human rights promotion among the Uraw community of northern part.

CIPRAD:Development Discourse Perspective Government and NGOs programme for Plain Land
IPs
Danida Contribution: 175,573 DKK Period: January 2005-June 2005
Documentation of opinions, viewpoints, development interventions of Government, NGOs and aid
institutions - on plain land Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh. Strengthening policy recommendations
an dialogues on Plain Land Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh

Taungya Pilot Project on Sustainable Village Common Forests Management

Danida Contribution: 19,936 DKK Period: April 2003 - March 2005.
Protection and preservation of Village Common Forests for ensuring equitable distribution and
sustainable management of common resources. Basic awareness on rights, primary education and
primary health has been addressed through this project.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 10

 4. OBJECTIVES
For each of the objectives listed below, the contribution by the programme/project to
achieving the objectives should be assessed. This should be seen in the context of the general
situation in the country, but it is the efforts of the Danida-supported activities – not the
national partners – which should be assessed.

4.a. Fulfilment of overall development objectives

Assess the extent to which the programme has achieved the general objectives as defined in the programme
document, and discuss the contribution by Danida to achieving the objectives
Objectives
The intermediate programme level objectives are:

1. Improved awareness and respect for civil and legal rights in government institutions,
including the judiciary
2. Improved accountability, transparency and effectiveness of public administration.
3. Promotion of freedom of expression and public awareness of human rights and good
governance.
4. Strengthened civil society organisations.

The project level objectives should be aligned with at least one of the above mentioned
programme level objectives (P.O.), which imply that there is no objectives as per focus
area. The following chart show how the project level objectives contributes to the
fulfilment of the programme level objectives. In order to somehow appreciate the
“weight” of the objectives, disbursement figures as well as months of duration of the
project are included in the chart.

Focus area Disbursement # # objectives Obj. Obj. Obj. Obj.

(mio.DKK) months (sum of of 1 2 3 4
objectives 1-4)
Institutionalization 7,14 107 16 3 5 1 7

Media 6,93 111 21 21

Women and 7,99 88 18 5 13

Justice
Child Protection 2,11 52 20 4 8 8

Indigenous 1,39 107 21 2 8 11

Peoples

Total 25,56 465 96 14 5 38 39

No outputs have been established beforehand for the 4 objectives. However, the
following 14 activity categories identified retrospectively through the systematization of
results, can somehow compensate for the lack of defined outputs at programme level.

In the following, the principal results of these activities will be reported, and finally
evaluated in relation to the programme level objectives.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 11

 PO-1
 Free legal aid for disadvantaged people (BLAST, MLAA)
 Awareness raising within public institutions, related to rights of specific HR-
vulnerable groups. (Naripokkho, BS, BASF, DNS, BARCIK, CIPRAD):
 Capacity building within public institutions (MLAA, RJ, NUK)
 Advocacy for legal reforms and Public Interest Litigation (BLAST, MLAA)

PO-2
 Increasing people’s participation in public affairs including monitoring of public
service delivery and the performance of elected representatives (Democracy
Watch, WAVE, MLAA)
 Training of members of elected bodies and local government personnel ( WAVE,
MLAA)

PO-3
 Public HRGG awareness building through NGOs
(Naripokkho, MLAA, AUS, BAF, RJ, BSF,CDP, IPDS)
 Public HRGG awareness building through press (MCC, NN, DemWatch, RJ, IPDS )
 Promotion of Human Rights and Good Governance through awareness raising and
improvement of professional skill of journalists. (RU, BCDJC, MCC, PIB)
 Promotion of freedom of expression (BCDJC)

PO-4
 Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) based on traditional community institutions.
(MLAA, Shushilan, Banchte Shekka,)
 Organizational support and capacity building of civil society organisation representing
HR-vulnerable groups, especially children, women and indigenous peoples.
Grass roots: Democracy Watch,
Women: Naripokkho, Banchte Shekka,
Children: BSAF, TDC, DNS, Barcik
Indigenous Peoples Taungya, AUS, BAF, IPDS,
Dipshikha
 Support to NGO based service delivery for children (RJ, BRCT, TDC, DNS)
 Capacity building of implementing NGOs (BLAST, MLAA, Shushilan, BS, BSEHR,
Naripokkho, BASF, AUS)

In the following the level completion of the objectives will be analyzed on the basis of
the defined outputs:

PO-I
Improved awareness and respect for civil and legal rights in government
institutions, including the judiciary

9 projects financed by the Programme Grant included a total of 13 objectives which

contributes to the fulfilment of this programme level objective. The awareness and
respect for civil and legal rights in government institutions, including the judiciary, has

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 12

 been improved through interventions from three angles:

On the one hand (1) disadvantaged groups in civil society have received support in order
to improve their access to justice, including initiatives of awareness raising related to
rights of specific HR-vulnerable groups (demand side), and on the other hand (2) public
institutions (supply side) have been directly targeted in some capacity building activities.
Finally (3) advocacy initiatives oriented toward legal reforms, including Public Interest
Litigation, have been supported in order to improve the respect for civil rights.

The following results have been produced through the supported activities

Demand side:
 Free legal aid for disadvantaged people
9.521 cases have been settled with support and legal assistance from two NGOs (7.421
BLAST, 2.100 MLAA)
BLAST reports that 73% of their cases (5.414) were disposed of positively for the
clients, and since 80% of complainants were women, it might be deduced, that the
legal aid especially has improved women’s access to justice and increased the
respect of women’s rights.
This work included a significant number of follow up meetings with the clients,
lawyers and law enforcing agencies.
 Awareness raising within public institutions, related to rights of specific HR-
vulnerable groups
Women Rights:
1 round table discussion with the parliament members of Bangladesh
39 round table discussions in 39 districts with political leaders.
(Naripokkho)
22 dialogue meetings with GOB agencies at the Upazila level,
5 sharing sessions on women and social justice with GOB agencies at district
level
22 dialogue meetings on women’s rights, human rights and social justice with
different stakeholders and
42 dialogue meetings with Union Parishads.
(Banchte Shekha)
6 Child rights consultation meetings at district level
6 Dialogues concerning child rights with locally elected bodies in 6 districts
1 Roundtable concerning child rights meeting with MPs and policy makers
(BSAF)
Indigenous Peoples rights:
A Study containing a systematic documentation of key stakeholder’ viewpoints on
development interventions for the Plain Lands Indigenous Peoples has been
completed. Special focus dedicated to those undertaken by Government (Special
Affairs Division).The study brought out policy recommendations for better,
effective and participatory development programmes with the Indigenous Peoples
and the strengthening of policy dialogues between Indigenous communities and
the duty bearers. (CIPRAD)

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 13

 Supply side:
 Capacity building within public institutions

497 Women ward commissioner trained out of 501 in 17 batches

202 Upazila based committee for violence against women (VAW) formed
1433 out of 1534 Union Parishad Chairmen trained in 50 batches (NUK)

248 locally elected bodies (LEB) have received training and awareness building
regarding trafficking of women and children, through 12 one-day courses.

91 local administration institutions (Union Parishad and Pourashova) have cooperated

to track the record of missing, kidnapping and trafficked women and children

Authorities from India and Bangladesh have met to discuss and coordinate action
against Women and Child Trafficking. (Rights Jessore)

108 Signboard and bill boards installed in courts (MLAA)

Legal Reform level:

 Advocacy for legal reforms and Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
1 study on VC (Village Courts) & AC (Arbitration Councils) conducted
3 workshops conducted on Village Courts
1 advocacy network formed
(MLAA)
18 advocacy meetings at Union office involving law-makers, district judges, media
personnel and civil society, regarding fully activating the GoB legal aid programme.
(BLAST)
High Court PIL: section 54 regarding arbitrary arrest promoted and supported
High Court PIL: section 167 regarding magistrate remand promoted and supported
PIL apr.2004 regarding gender-equal job advertisements promoted and supported
PIL Dec. 14th 2004 relating to non-compliance with the law on iodine content in
salt. (BLAST)
“Reporting back” and follow up advocacy in relation to PIL section 54 , PIL section
167, in order to advance the implementation of the judgement. The PIL “section 54
guidelines” are now regularly cited by lawyers in arbitrary arrest cases; magistrate’s
court records demonstrate that magistrates now generally conform to safeguards in
section 167. At the policy level, the Ministry of Law has prepared a draft bill to
amend section 54 and section167 in response to the High Court decision (PIL) in
2004. Media reports indicate there has been a significant decline in the number of
arbitrary arrests under section 54 across Bangladesh since this judgement. Besides,
the Government is following guidelines for gender-equal job advertisements since
the successful resolution of a PIL on this point in April 2004. (BLAST)

PO-2
Improved accountability, transparency and effectiveness of public administration.

3 projects financed by the Programme Grant included a total of 5 objectives which

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 14

 contributes to the fulfilment of this programme level objective. The accountability and
effectiveness of public institutions have been pursued within local government
institutions and lower level courts only, since the guardian institutions foreseen in the
project document did not materialize within the period of the programme.

This objective have been pursued from both the demand side (right holders) and the
supply side (duty bearers) through, increased popular participation, awareness raising,
monitoring and training activities.

Demand side:
 Increased Peoples Participation in public affairs including monitoring of
public service delivery and the performance of elected representatives

32 NGOs belonging to the network Governance Coalition and 50 Community Organisers

acquired knowledge and skills on local government and governance to take
different advocacy initiatives for ensuring effective public services in 4 identified
areas(education, health, agriculture and village court) through strengthening 3
identified standing committees of UP and village court.
91 Peoples Alliances (PA) formed and trained to have understanding, skill, support
base and minimum resources to cooperate and influence UPs in activating 3
standing committees and village court. People Alliances are now regularly
participating in Standing Committee's meeting & member of jury board of village
court.
1 Mission-Vision document of Governance Coalition developed . This document now
provides a complete guideline to PNGOs for ensuring good governance and
human rights.(WAVE).
Communities are informed about the benefits and advantages of using Arbitration
Councils and Village Courts through:
47 Drama Shows organized
140 Campaigns organized (MLAA)
Supply side:
 Training of members of elected bodies and Local Government personnel

26 Union Parishads have increased awareness and understanding on effective public

services in 4 identified areas
10 UPs have sensitised the populace about their rights to receive proper public services.
33 Representatives of UPs acquired knowledge and understanding on their roles and
responsibilities on effective public services in 3 identified areas and on the
importance of UP standing committees.
66 Representatives of UPs acquired knowledge and understanding on their roles and
responsibilities regarding Village Court
30 UP women members are able to lead the process of facilitating Standing Committees
and Village Courts
The women members are participating in UP standing committee, decision making
process and judicial activities.
198 Standing committees and 66 village courts have identified some specific public
demands centering on 4 identified public services
30 Standing committees and 10 village courts have responded to some specific public
demands centring on 4 identified public services

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 15

 Both People Alliances and UP representative realized that proper functioning of
standing committees and village court can improve both the quantity and quality of
public services as well as ensuring justified development. Regular coordination
among PNGOs of Governance Coalition through coordination meetings(WAVE)
1.211 Union Parishad representatives trained in their roles and responsibilities
particularly focusing on the area of relation to Village Court, Arbitration Council
and relevant laws.
UP representatives trained in the procedures and methods for resolving disputes of
VC & AC
3.865 Disputes resolved through Arbitration Council
4.765 Disputes resolved through Village Court
8 Bill-board installed in Courts
96 Signboard installed in Courts

UP representatives, local GOB officials, local elites, CBO members have been sensitized
on Present scenario of AC, VC and Mediation Process through:
266 Follow-up meetings organized
16 Thana workshops organized
153 Union level meetings organized
7096 Courtyard meetings organized
(MLAA)

PO-3
Promotion of freedom of expression and public awareness of human rights and
good governance.

14 projects financed by the Programme Grant included a total of 38 objectives which

contributes to the fulfilment of this programme level objective. The majority of the
results are linked to the creation of public awareness of human rights, while only two
projects are focused on aspects closely linked to the defence of freedom of expression.
The awareness buildings efforts can be subdivided according to the methods of
promotion, either through the mass media or through interface among actors.

 Public HRGG awareness building through NGO action.

4 International Women’s Day and International Day for protesting Violence Against
Women’s Day have been observed.
1 Human Chain to protest the proposed revision of Women’s Development Policy
has been organized (Naripokkho)
129 workshops and 24 Courses organized on Gender & Development conducted with
women leaders and animators (MLAA)
The Indigenous Peoples International day has been celebrated and used for
advocacy and awareness raising activities.(AUS)
5.000 indigenous gathered to celebrate the Decade of the Indigenous Peoples and
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (BAF-1)
20473 students, 790 teachers, 130 imams and 510 social leaders have increased awareness
about the trafficking issue, through the organization of 48 rallies, 45 school
campaigns, 48 one-day meeting with imam and social leaders.
37,000 (apporx.) grassroots people have reached increased awareness about the

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 16

 trafficking issue through organizing cultural programmes such as stage drama.
12000 news bulletins on the issue of trafficking has been published (Rights Jessore)
6 workshops held with Judiciary, journalists, teachers and NGO’s.
8 quarterly newsletters and Annual State of CR published
4 TV talk shows, 4 CR-conferences with media,
64 CR-information meetings at district level,
20.000 posters published,(BSAF)
1 study carried out to explore in depth the nature and the characteristics of forced child
labour in the shrimp industry (CDP)
5 training events on Indigenous Peoples Rights for lowland indigenous leaders have been
carried through, and fact finding activities and reporting on violation of Indigenous
Peoples rights have been organized
1 journal, 1 leaflet and 2 posters focusing the rights of Indigenous Peoples have been
published (IPDS)

 Public HRGG awareness building through the press:

1 web based HRGG library has been designed and implemented to support journalist’s
fact finding work, and to spread worldwide information on HRGG situation in
Bangladesh.
90 female journalists have received 6 monthly on-job training related to the web library.
(NN)
918 reports on human rights (295), gender (65) and democracy and development (558)
published in local and national newspapers (MCC)
700 reports on HRGG have been published in local and national media, meaning that
people in general have increased awareness of their civic rights, due to increased
coverage of HRGG issues in local press(Democracy Watch)
55 trafficked victims have been identified through fact finding through daily newspapers
(Rights Jessore)
The understanding of issues related to Indigenous Peoples rights has been increased
among majority communities at local and national level, through media advocacy
activities and reports published in local and national newspaper (case: the struggle of
Khasi people) (IPDS)

 Promotion of Human Rights and Good Governance through awareness raising

and improvement of professional skill of journalists.

Pilot diploma for university course on Civic Journalism formulated and implemented
The Department of Mass Communication (DoMC) in Rajshahi University
Educational materials and guideline have been developed and approved by the Academic
sub-committee
40 student have initiated the course (RU)
397 female journalist students have attended in the 16 workshops
20 women journalists have completed an advanced training program with specialized
follow-up

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 17

 4 seminars held with 251 participants to promote the cause of women in journalism
24 follow up sessions have been held
4 seminars have been organized with the participation of relevant stakeholders;
Through these results, the participation of women at all levels within the
communication media has been increased, which has led to an increased focus on and
coverage of women’s rights issues. (BCDJC)
2 Media Centres, 7 Districts Level Forum and 5 Regional Level Forum have been
formed, contributing to the respect for Human Rights and democratic participation in
the political process. (MCC)
94 training events conducted:
22 basic training for grassroots reporters (incl. 6 for women)
32 basic training events for local reporter/ correspondent/ local Editors
4 follow up/advanced trainings on Photo Journalism, Electronic Media, and TOT
36 Field Based practical Reporting Training
2464 persons participated in the different training events (females 1159, males 1305)

131 seminars conducted:

75 Union level seminars
50 Thana level seminars and 30 District level seminars
2 Regional level women’s networking seminars
4 National level networking seminars
3478 persons participated in the different seminars and workshops;
(MCC-2)
80 journalists have participated in training, study tour and workshops on various relevant
issues of human rights reporting. The training led to investigative reports regarding
violation of human rights released by BSS-HRD (BSS)
160 journalists have been trained in HRGG issues (PIB)

 Promotion of freedom of expression

An Alliance for Press Freedom in Bangladesh has been formed.

3 newsletters named “Freedom Watch” published and distributed different stakeholders
1 Website developed and regularly updated.
15th World Press Freedom Day on 3 May at National Press Club, Dhaka has been
celebrated in association with Media Watch and Adhikar.
184 reports documenting attack and intimidation against press and journalists have been
elaborated.
10 special reports published in national dailies, related to Press Freedom, Access to
Information, Harassment of Journalists etc.
1 Annual report will elaborated and ready to be published
1 report concerning 10 trauma victim journalists has been published
A countrywide emergency assistance (legal, media and financial) to journalists who have
become victims of harassment as a consequence of their professional journalistic
activities, has been established, and a campaign of awareness raising regarding the issue
has been carried through.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 18

 12 journalists, victims of violence have received medical treatments
3 harassed media professionals have been given legal assistances (BCDJC).

PO-4
Strengthened civil society organisations.

19 projects financed by the Programme Grant included a total of 38 objectives which

contributes to the fulfilment of this programme level objective. However, many of the
projects contributing to this objective were relatively small.

The support to strengthening civil society organizations has had three directions.:
On the one hand, NGOs has been addressed in their function as compensation for
missing or inadequate service delivery from the public sector. This has been the case for
street children, victims of human rights violations and poor people with very limited
access to claim redress through the formal judicial system. In all these cases alternative
civil society based solutions have been promoted.

On the other hand, NGOs have been strengthened in their role as representatives of
HR-vulnerable groups, especially women, children and indigenous peoples, who can
raise their voice and defend their rights through dialogue, information campaigns,
advocacy etc.

Finally, the implementing institutions have in many cases themselves been strengthened
through capacity building facilitated by the projects. Several of these NGOs do not really
have a representative mandate, but some have a kind of watchdog function in relation to
human rights.

 Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) based on traditional community

institutions.

10.173 disputes resolved through ADR (7.862 at Union level and 2.311 at Thana level)
68 courses held regarding ADR related issues.
200 workshops conducted on Mediation & Law with WARD CBO
members
888 ward committees and99 Union Committees formed
3609 meetings organized with Ward CBO members
355 meetings organized with Union CBO members
(MLAA)
1174 disputes handled through ADR (60% of disputes resolved effectively)
115 court cases handled (31 cases finalised with verdicts in favour of Shushilan client, 18
dismissed and 66 pending)
UPs are referring disputes to ADR Committees
108 wards and 12 unions have established ADR Committees
5,700 (approx.) have participated in seminars, workshops and courtyard meetings
300 grassroots women leaders are involved in ADR Women Networks
589 women group members have participated in training programme
(Shushilan)
986 ADR committee members and 326 paralegals trained in family laws and
ADR techniques and management.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 19

 322 ADR Committee members trained in Human rights and women’s rights
175 paralegals trained in leadership development and human rights
664 village level sharing meetings on ADR techniques and its benefits.
22 exposure visits for ADR committee members to other NGOs doing ADR
work.
42 theatre performances on stage and on streets
734 ADR applications (mainly related to dowry demands) from women have been
conducted . 352 were settled through mediation, 87 were referred to the courts
and the rest are still under process) (Banchte Shekha)
399 local NGOs have formed a network and become involved in work of prevention of
human trafficking against women and child trafficking in 5 southern districts of
Bangladesh.
16 training workshops of 1-5 days have been held for the 399 NGOs. (Rights Jessore)
A community based rapid response mechanism to extend psychological support service
and medical treatment for victims of torture and organized violence have been created in
20 selected districts of Bangladesh:
20 Rehabilitation teams of volunteers (included local doctors, social workers, lawyers
etc) have been established.
24 Mobile treatment clinics in 15 districts have been established.
1 week-long training programme for all regional coordinators have been organized.
“Information Package” have been developed and distributed among the members of the
Rehabilitation Teams in all targeted 20 districts
509 victims of torture have received physiotherapy, counselling and doctors treatment
services (90% were victims of Operation Clean Heart (OCH) and tortured by the army
as a part of joint forces of OCH). (BRCT)

 Organizational support and capacity building of civil society organisation

representing HR-vulnerable groups, especially women, children and indigenous
peoples.

Community peoples have been voicing their demands, and grassroots level leaders have
become more responsive through:
22 public meetings
240 court yard meetings
108 orientation meetings
32 seminars
24 spot campaigns, 24 documentary shows
(Democracy Watch)

7.007 women representatives trained on Gender Human Right and Leadership

Development through 2 days long workshop on womens rights with 18 local women’s
organisations.
34 NGO leaders and their trainers received Training of Trainers on gender, human rights
and leadership development. (NUK)

A national women’s movement organization (Doorbar) has been consolidated and

widened:

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 20

 536 organisations are now participating in the Doorbar network
321 committees formed at local level in 64 districts, and 996 district-level meetings held.
16 regional offices functional and 16 regional committees elected and 128 regional-level
meetings held
6 Newsletters published and circulated in 64 districts. (Naripokkho)

Women’s organisations have been trained to sharpen analysis of problems and strategies
on key issues as violence against women and women’s political empowerment and to
enable more focused activism in this regard.
40 Doorbar member organisations received training in Leadership Development
(training of trainers)
12 members attended different trainings and conferences abroad
35 members participated in country study tour in 2004 and 38 in 2005
48 workshops on VAW organized for the members of Doorbar member
organizations, and
9 workshops were held at central level.
188 workshop for CPVAW members (Naripokkho)

12 orientation and training events with member organisations and 6 exchange visits
(BSAF)
Network established with 23 NGOs in Rajshahi to promote public awareness about
child rights in general to especially support street children in establishing their rights.
(TDC)

1 poster (5.000 copies) and class routines (7.500 copies) for the primary and non-primary
students in 12 adivasi unions have been published to promote Indigenous Peoples right
to bilingual education.(Barcik)
12 village common forests have been managed according to a sustainable management
plan which benefited 948 families, by strengthened indigenous community organisations
(Taungya)
Cultural awareness has been raised among the Garo people raising through a cultural
festival Wanna (Wangala) in the Garo Hills area, Mymensingh (BAF-2)

940 meetings have been held, including 673 at community level, to promote the rights of
indigenous peoples and to strengthen the ability of indigenous community leaders to
undertake effective advocacy (IPDS)

40 Manjhi Byshee (traditional indigenous organization) have been strengthened.

117 applications for 13.99 acre khas land has been submitted by 40 traditional indigenous
organisations to land office (AUS)

 Support to NGO based service delivery for children

Open Air Street Centre established for primary contact and referral point for 360 street
children in Rajshahi
Drop in Center (DIC) established to facilitate first aid, health, psychological and
educational support for 120 street children.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 21

 Night Shelter Home (NSH) for 100 street children has been established. (TDC)
Protection and development centre developed for children of sex workers.
(DNS)

 Capacity building of implementing NGOs

Most projects includes the strengthening of the implementing NGOs’ capacity as an

objective. The following results have been reported:

A strategic plan has been developed (BLAST)

Institutional capacity strengthened through staff training and development of
administrative manual (MLAA)
Strengthened institutional capacity to become more effective and efficient (Shushilan)
Institutional capacity of BS and her partner NGOs enhanced for effective
implementation (Banchte Shekka)
The holding of BSEHR’s 9th National Convention has been supported. All the branches
members shared their learning and finalized next years action plan (BSEHR)
1 Training / Resource Centre has been purchased (Naripokkho)
The general capacity increased (AUS)
Capacity building including IT. (BSAF)
Rating4 A B C D
Objective 1: x
Objective 2: x
Objective 3: x
Objective 4: x

Assessment The present report is only including projects financed through the Programme
Grant, which according to Programme Document makes up 22% of the total
programme budget. However, the 4 programme level objectives are defined for the
whole programme without considering the 3 different funding modalities. Thus the
present assessment of the completion of objectives is held within the limits of the
Programme Grant.

PO-1
The achievements regarding legal aid have been very satisfactory and both the direct and
the indirect impacts of this support are considered significant. There have been some
important contributions to awareness raising as well as capacity building within public
institutions, related to rights of specific HR-vulnerable groups. However, overall this
support has been too dispersed to guarantee sustainable long term impact. There have

4 The assessment system has the following categories:

a. Very satisfactory: No need to adjust plans and strategy.
b. Satisfactory: Minor problems may arise and small adjustments may be necessary.
c. Less satisfactory: Adjustments to plans and/or strategy are necessary.
d. Very unsatisfactory: The sustainability of the activities is questionable. Major adjustments/re-organisations will be
necessary in a possible new phase or in the follow up by partner organisations.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 22

 been very few initiatives oriented towards advocacy for legal reforms, but the
results have been satisfactory and the impact of certain Public Interest Litigations
should be highlighted. Summing up it can be concluded, that the achievements in
relation to the first objective has been satisfactory.

PO-2
A few local projects have contributed to the completion of this objective, on the one hand
by increasing people’s participation in public affairs and by monitoring public service
delivery as well as performance of elected representatives. On the other hand, by training
of members of elected bodies and local government personnel, good results have been
achieved at the local level, and the impact of the training of UP representatives in their
role and responsibilities in relation to Village Court and Arbitration Councils should be
highlighted. However, the interventions have all been limited to a few districts and not
exceeding local government level (Union Parishads), which hamper the possibilities of
achieving a broader impact. The conclusion must be that the contribution to the
completion of this objective has been less satisfactory. The fact that the planned support
to expected guardian institutions did not materialize, has obviously contributed to less
progress regarding this objective.

PO-3
Several projects have contributed with significant results to the increase of public
awareness about HRGG through NGOs as well as through the press, and probably
this awareness building represents the most comprehensive impact of the support
financed through the Programme Grant. Additionally, the free press has been defended
through interventions supporting and encouraging journalists who have been harassed
because of their commitment to freedom of expression. Finally some interventions aimed
at the improvement of professional skill of journalists. Although this support only
indirectly might have benefited the HRGG situation, at an overall level the achievements
to the fulfilling of this objective should be classified as very satisfactory.

PO-4
Among the efforts to comply with this objective the Alternative Dispute Resolutions
(ADR) based on traditional community institutions should be highlighted, since
significant impacts have been achieved in this regard. Due to the difficulties for poor
people to access justice through the formal judicial system, civil society organisations have
developed an alternative response using the traditional shalish councils at village level as
starting point. The ADR especially concerns family conflicts, and women have especially
benefited from this alternative.

A wide range of initiatives has been oriented towards organizational support and capacity
building to civil society organisation representing HR-vulnerable groups, especially
children, women and indigenous peoples, including the implementing NGOs themselves.
Although it is difficult to evaluate the impact of this support in short terms, the results of
these wide spread efforts represents one of the most important impacts provided by of
the Programme Grant. Due to inadequate public service delivery a few projects have
supported NGO based service delivery for street children. Although such initiative are
unsustainable, it should be considered that they are part of projects with a wider
perspective of improving legal framework and institutional conditions.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 23

 Summing up, the achievements in relation to this objective must be considered very
satisfactory.

4.b. Fulfilment of the objectives concerning poverty reduction

Assess the extent to which the programme has achieved the objectives concerning poverty reduction as defined in
the programme document, and discuss the contribution by Danida to achieving the objectives
Objectives
Rating n.a.
Assessment
There are no explicit references to Poverty Reduction aspects in the
Programme Document (September 2001) nor in any of the project level
objectives. Therefore an assessment as per objective or component is not
possible. However, it is clear that the target group consist of poor and
disadvantaged people, especially women, children and indigenous peoples.

Although HRGG is considered a cross cutting issue not directly oriented

towards poverty reduction, it certainly has a strong long term impact on the
condition which create and maintain great part of the population in poverty.
Increased transparency and accountability leads to improved public service
delivery, and thus the living conditions for poor people. The recognition of
rights and access to justice improves as well the living conditions of poor and
disadvantaged people. Besides, the means to improve the respect for HRGG
such as strengthening of civil society organizations and a free press have as well
an indirect impact on poverty reduction.

Presently issues related to Good Governance as well as women’s and children’s

rights are significant elements of the national PRSP.

4.c. Fulfilment of gender equality objectives

To what extent has the programme supported mainstreaming of gender equality in terms of i) Promotion of equal
rights, (ii) Equal access to resources, and (iii) Promotion of equal influence?
Rating a( ) b( ) c( ) d( )
Objective 1: x
Objective 2: x
Objective 3: x
Objective 4: x
Assessment
The programme has supported mainstreaming of gender equality to a very high extent,
and significant number of specific women rights oriented results have been reported
within 12 of the 14 “activity areas” identified in relation to the 4 programme level
objectives. The following results should be highlighted:

i) Promotion of equal rights

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 24

 Equal right for women has been promoted through some events both at
national and local levels, and some specific issues have been given focalised
attention, such as violence against women and the trafficking of women.
- 4 International Women’s Day and International Day for protesting Violence
Against Women’s Day have been observed.
- Public Interest Litigation regarding gender-equal job advertisements promoted
and supported
- 65 reports on women’s rights published in local and national newspapers (MCC)
- 12000 news bulletins on the issue of trafficking of women and children have
been published
- 248 local government members have received training and awareness building
regarding trafficking of women and children
- 91 local government institutions have cooperated to track the record of missing,
kidnapping and trafficked women and children

(ii) Equal access to resources

Free legal aid for disadvantaged people, especially women (80%) as well as Alternative
Dispute Resolution (ADR) has improved women’s access to justice and increased the
respect of women’s rights.:
-Approximately 80% of the 9.521 people who have received legal aid are women.
-734 ADR applications (mainly related to dowry demands) from women
have been conducted and 352 were settled through mediation.
-300 grassroots women leaders are involved in Women Networks for ADR
-322 ADR Committee members trained in women’s rights

iii) Promotion of equal influence

Women’s equal influence has been promoted through a wide range of actions,
such as awareness raising and capacity building within public institutions, the
promotion of women rights in the press and support to women journalists. Besides
there has been support to training on women’s rights through NGOs and the
consolidation of a nationwide network of women’s organisations has been supported.
-497 women Ward Commissioners trained
-30 Union Parishad women members are able to lead the process of facilitating
Standing Committees and Village Courts
-90 female journalists have received 6 monthly on-job training related to the web
library and 397 female journalist students have attended in the 16 workshops
- 20 women journalists have completed an advanced training program with
specialized follow-up
-4 seminars held with 251 participants to promote the cause of women in
journalism
-7.007 women representatives trained on Gender Human Right and
Leadership Development
-536 organisations are now participating in the Doorbar network of
Women’s organisations, and 48 workshops on VAW organized for the
members of Doorbar member organizations, and 188 workshop for
CPVAW members

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 25

4.d. Fulfilment of objectives concerning environmental considerations
To what extent has the programme supported mainstreaming of environmental sustainability in terms of (i)
National policies and strategies, (ii) Cross-sectoral procedures and plans, and (iii) Sector-specific procedures and
plans?
Rating n.a.
Assessment There are no explicit references to environmental sustainability aspects in the
Programme Document (September 2001), and it is an issue only in one of the
project level objectives, which refers to indigenous management of common
community forest resources, within a perspective of organizational capacity
building. No adverse effects on the environment have been reported or
identified.
4.e. Fulfilment of objectives concerning human rights, democracy, and good
governance
To what extent has the programme supported mainstreaming of human rights, democratisation, people’s
participation and good governance in terms of (i) Legislation, (ii) Policies and strategies, and (iii) Sector specific
procedures and plans?
Rating
Assessment The programme has been defined in relation to 4 fundamental human rights
issues: (1) Rule of Law, (2) Civil Rights, (3) Women Rights and (4) Child Rights.
The extent to which the programme has supported mainstreaming of these issue
are explained in point 4a.

The PSU was entrusted with the responsibility to support the Embassy in
facilitating the mainstreaming HRGG concerns in the Danish funded Sector
Programmes, and specific inputs and strategy proposals were prepared. Besides
specific consultations/information dissemination events were undertaken by the
PSU.

4.f. Assessment of contribution to national HIV/AIDS response

To what extent has the programme supported (i) preparatory analyses if the national framework and institutions
are not yet established, (ii) development/implementation of sector-specific AIDS initiatives, or (iii) national
preventive work and mitigating effects on the programme.
Rating
n.a.
Assessment The programme has not included any action linked with the problems of HIV
and AIDS.

5. PROGRAMME/PROJECT RESULTS

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 26

One key Targets defined Results achieved Budget5 Expenditure
output for in programme *)
each document
component
Output/ n.a.
Comp. 1
Output/ n.a
Comp.2
Output/ n.a
Comp.3
Etc. n.a.
Technical n.a
assistance
*) The results in terms of outputs have been detailed in chapter 4.

Effectiveness: Discuss results compared to targets (focus on major deviations)

Not applicable

Efficiency: Discuss results compared to expenditure

No formal effort has been made to assess/quantify the programme achievements/results in

relation to cost. Considering that the programme had a number of intermediate objectives (the
achievement of which are difficult to quantify, let alone cost) and acknowledging the problems
in ‘valuing’ the programme ’s contribution to improved awareness and respect for human rights
and good governance, it is generally recognized that such an exercise is not feasible or even
realistic. A cost benefit analysis is impossible as improved awareness is difficult to measure in
financial terms. It is also too early to claim efficiency of programme results in terms of capacity
development in a programme such as this after a three year period.

6. CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

Which changes in output (policies, services, etc.6) have been experienced by partner organisations? Discuss the
contribution by the programme/project to achieving the possible changes.

As stated elsewhere, the programme has contributed significantly to the consolidation and

5 All programmes prepared after 1 September 2003 are expected to have output-based budgets. For programmes prepared
before this date, it may not be possible to indicate the budget and expenditure for one key output per component.
6 See Danida: A Results-Oriented Approach to Capacity Change, April 2005. The paper mentions as an example that

capacity support to an accounts department (partner organisation) should lead to better and timely monthly accounts
statements (outputs).

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 27

institutional capacity building of the implementing NGOs. On the one hand this capacity
development through project implementation has been focused on the strengthening of civil
society organisations, especially in their watchdog functions, but also in some cases on specific
service delivery for victims of human right violations. On the other hand, the partner
organizations have developed their institutional capacity in relation to management and
administration. Thus the financial controller of the PSU has undertaken training courses for a
significant number of partner institutions, to improve their financial management capacity, and
the interaction between the PSU and individual partners on project design and reporting has
also contributed.

7. OUTSTANDING ISSUES

Discuss major outstanding issues after the end of the programme (phase)/project, incl. relevant sustainability
issues.
The first phase of the programme has focused NGO support to human rights issues, and few
initiatives have been oriented towards governance issue, and none implemented by government
institutions. This certainly leaves governance issues as outstanding, which should be addressed
in the second phase of the programme.

8. RISK AND ASSUMPTIONS

Discuss whether major risks and assumptions, identified during the preparation of the programme, have
materialised and have been sufficiently considered during the implementation

Considering the risks, the Programme Document includes a critical and realistic view on the
HRGG situation in Bangladesh and the political, institutional and cultural circumstances which
make up the conditions for this situation. There is no optimism about future perspectives, as
vested interest is expected to continue to hamper possibilities of impact in relation to the
programme areas, and the political will is expected to continue to be poor or even turn worse
after 2001 elections. The Document concludes that support to HRGG is quite vulnerable,
“facing a range of obstacles and problems that could well weaken the effectiveness and success
of the intended outcomes. In summary, there is a fairly strong risk that the programme alone
will have little effect on national policies and practices.” However, together with other donor
inputs, the programme may have a cumulative effect that is positive.

The stated risk have maintained its relevance throughout the project period, and the lack of
political will has been the main reason for not establishing the foreseen guardian institutions,
and for not complying fully with the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord . Thus there has not
been any direct support to government institutions through the Programme Grant and
although some advocacy work has been carried out, it has had little effect on national policies.
The main achievements of the programme are definitely linked to the support to the

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 28

establishment and consolidation of civil society response to this status quo situation at policy
and government institutional level.

Among the assumptions and preconditions mentioned in the Programme Document only one
has not been fully met, since it was assumed that ” the legislation in the relevant areas with
respect to human rights and good governance will be passed and that it will be passed in a form
that facilitates the concerned projects”.

9. LESSONS LEARNED

Important lessons of general interest to Danida with particular emphasis on (i) alignment, (ii) harmonisation,
(iii) programme management (incl. monitoring).

The number of projects and partners (totally 52 NGO projects within little more than 3 years)
was excessive, so the major part of PSU’s time was used on identification and appraisal of new
project proposals, thus leaving insufficient time for monitoring and follow up during
implementation. The lack of a monitoring system at programme level has hampered the work
of quality assurance, and the ongoing dialogue with the partners.

On the other hand, the support to smaller and local NGOs has brought the Programme in
close contact with the target group and also permits piloting of more innovative interventions.

All through the programme the project implementation has been anchored with the partner
organisations, and flexibility has been applied in order to align with partners procedures and
formats in relation to reporting, procurement and audits. In three cases good experiences have
been obtained as to co funding with other donors through basket fund arrangements.

10. DOCUMENTATION

List all relevant documents7 prepared during the lifespan of the programme (details in annex).
(All documents to be found at PSU)

Title month-year

1. HRDGG Programme Appraisal Report 2001

2. HRDGG Programme Document Sept. 2001
3. HRDGG Implementation Strategy 2003-2008 2003
4. Inception Report, Dec. 2002
5. Review Report (COWI) and RDE/PSU comments 2003
6. Semi-Annual Report January-June 2003
7. Semi-Annual Report July-December 2003

7 Documents covering all components must be listed.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 29

 8. Semi-Annual Report January-June 2004
9. Semi-Annual Report July-December 2004
10. Mainstreaming HRGG in Danida Sector Programmes February 2004
11. HRGG Focus Area Working Papers May-August 2004
12. HRDGG Phase II Concept Paper August 2004
13. Programme Review Report November 2004
14. Debriefing note, Pre-appraisal mission May 2005
15. HRGG Phase II Programme Documents (4) November 2005
16. HRGG Phase II Programme Desk Appraisal Report November 2005

ENDORSEMENT8

Chairman of the Steering Committee *)

or other relevant partner representative ________________________ ____________
(name) (date)

Ambassador/Head of Department _________________________ ____________

Einar Hebogård Jensen 18 December 2006

*) The programme consisted of many small NGO projects, and there was no programme level steering committee
and the programme was managed by the PSU/the Embassy. Thus there is no relevant partner representative to
sign.

8 A paper version with signatures is filed in the Representation, while an electronic version (including names and dates of
signatories) is uploaded in PDB.

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 30

 Abbreviations

ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution

AUS (Adivashi Unnayan Songstha )
BAF ( Bangladesh Adhivasi Forum)
BARCIK (Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge )
BCDJC (Bangladesh Centre for Development Journalism and Communication )
BLAST (Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust)
BRCT (Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims )
BSAF (Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum )
BSEHR (Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights)
BSS (Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha)
CDP (Coastal Development Partnership)
CIPRAD (Center for Indigenous People Research & Development
DIFID United Kingdom Department for International Development
DNS (Durjoy Nari Sangha)
GoB Government of Bangladesh
HRGG Human Rights and Good Governance
IPDS (Indigenous Peoples Development Services )
LGA Local Grant Authority
MLAA (Madaripur Legal Aid Association)
MMC (Mass-line Media Centre )
NGO Non Governmental Organisation
NN (News Network )
Norad Norwegian International Development Aid
Novib Dutch NGO
NUK (Nari Uddug Kendra )
PG Programme Grant
PO Programme Objectives
PIB (Press Institute of Bangladesh )
PSU Programme Support Unit
RU (Department of Mass Communicaton, University of Rajshahi)
TDC (Tripartite Development Council )

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 31

Guidelines for Programme and Project Completion Reports, February 2006 32