PAD – Process of Networking and Dialogue (Ecumenical Network with Brazilian partners and European Ecumenical Agencies)

Background

Evaluation of the three-year activities plan 2004-2006.

Purpose/objective

- To register lessons learned from the activities carried out in the period 1998-2001
- To evaluate the plan 2003-2006, with reference to the axis of ESC and environmental rights, with focus on processes of learning and implementation of a culture of rights, also seen in the light of the cooperation with the European agencies.
- Evaluate the efficiency of PAD, considering expected vs. achieved results
- To analyze the potential of PAD and the sustainability of the process.

Methodology

- Reading of fundamental PAD documents, eg. plans, reports, texts, minutes from meetings
- Interviews with members of the national coordination, the directors, members of the working groups, European agencies integrants of PAD.
- Preparation of a preliminary report, opening for feedback
The evaluation was made by two consultants, one in Brazil and one in Europe, with permanent contact and division of tasks through the different stages of the process.

Key findings

The period's focus on Economic, Social, Cultural and Ambiental rights influenced many of the participant organisations in adopting a more rights based approach to their work. Due to the broad range of participating organisations and movements, from both Brazil and Europe, the process is seen by the great majority as a unique space for discussing the promotion and implementation of human rights both within Brazil, as well as in an international context.
There were, however, identified great difficulties linked to the structure of the network in Brazil, and thus a very variable degree of functioning from one regional committee to another.

Recommendations

- Elaboration of a new, more dynamic organizational structure in Brazil
- Strengthening of the networks' focus on less activities
- To continue working with Human Rights as a main focus

Comments from the organisation

Meeting were held in may between the regional committees to discuss new forms of organisation and also to elaborate a first draft of a new three-year plan 2008-2010.
After this step, in june, the draft will be sent to EuroPAD (the European agencies of PAD) for further considering. As part of EuroPAD, NCA will take part in this process.
Based on all these inputs, there will be made a proposal for the new plan 2008-2010 in july.