A good Mark to Norwegian Peace Efforts in Haiti – mainly

Norwegian support for peace efforts in Haiti did contribute to reduced tensions on the island. The Norwegian flexibility, perceived neutrality and ability to rapidly disburse transition funds for projects are commended in an external evaluation carried out by a Belgian-Canadian consultancy firm for the Evaluation Department of Norad.

Published 26/11/2009

The evaluation team also concludes that some grassroots projects funded by Norway have improved lives of communities that have endured violence and insecurity for decades. The team found, however, that Norwegian engagement is linked to weak planning and sustainability. That may be seen as the other side of the flexibility coin. These are important lessons to take along from this evaluation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norad.

Together with other donors, Norway has launched an initiative for more systematic evaluations of conflict prevention and peacebuilding activities. This evaluation of Norwegian support to peacebuilding in Haiti is the first such attempt out of several other evaluations with a similar focus that are ongoing or planned.

The purpose of the evaluation has been to assess whether Norway has, with its transitional assistance, contributed to increased security and stability, and whether gains achieved are likely to be sustainable.