Religious actors for peace

Afghanistan. May 2016.

RELIGIOUS ACTORS FOR PEACE IN AFGHANISTAN.pdf

Program overview

Religious Actors for Peace responds to an immediate need for peaceful conflict transformation in Afghanistan by providing training and an organizational structure enabling religious leaders to contribute more effectively to sustainable peace. Due to reduced trust in the Gouvernement, the religious institutions representing continuity and tradition are favored by large groups of people, especially in rural communities. This puts them in a favorable position to contribute to peace and stability in the region.

Evaluation overview

This is a midline evaluation of the 3rd phase in the project, and it includes an attempt to transfer more ownership to the participants themselves. The data was collected through different methods.

Key findings and recommendations

At individual level for the RAP network members, there have been major achievements of reaching out to a substantial number with training and providing opportunities for them to organize activities. The participants want to continue this work and have expectations for follow up. Also, at an organizational level a structure is in place with a democratically elected board with the task of implementing an ambitious strategy decided by a group of religious leaders, some of them holding influential positions.
The evaluation recommends that short term project intervals in the first phases should be replaced by longer term commitments. One should also coordinate with other actors, as well as trying to broaden the reach of the project, as well as improve training and research. The number of female participants should be increased in the program on all levels. To avoid unintentional and unwanted effects of the program there should also be a plan to include assessments for conflict sensitivity.