Overview:

The JP aimed to reduce inequality and discrimination; establish mechanisms for prevention and conflict resolution at the local level; increase knowledge amongst youth and women on the causes of conflict and attitudes for the promotion of peace and citizenship within their communities.

This was done through the promotion of income generating activities which benefitted nearly forty thousand people. Community infrastructures, such as schools and markets, were also strengthened, together with training on techniques for better water management.

Awareness raising activities reached over 10,000 people and covered issues such as citizenship, advocacy, human rights and conflict prevention. This was supported through extensive training of different groups including students, returnees, paralegals and local officials.  The programme supported the creation of youth associations such as the Network of Youth for Citizenship, Peace and Conflict Prevention).

At the policy level, the JP supported the completion of a draft National Strategy for Social Cohesion (SNCS) based on a series of studies, namely on: Human Rights, Justice, Democracy, Participation, Citizenship, Social Protection,  Tolerance, Peace, Gender, Macro-Policies economic, access to basic services, Land Question and Natural Resource Management.

Outcome 1:

Social harmony strengthened for the promotion of marginalized populations’ rights and the implementation of participative mechanisms of conflict resolution.

Outcome Achievements:

• 213 Income Generating activities (IGA) were introduced benefitting nearly 40,000 people. From these, 137 Income Generating activities were implemented in collaboration with the CDHAHRSC (Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action for Relations with Civil Society).  Other activities were implemented in collaboration with ANAIR (National Support Agency and integration of Refugees).
• 47 community infrastructure activities were undertaken including markets, warehouses for women, football fields, youth centers, parks and vaccination centers, in partnership with ANAIR and CDHAHRSC.
• Other improvements made include market gardens and farmland in Brakna and Trarza.
• Training in the drop by drop technique was also provided for community volunteers. This method allows a more rational water management, with better performance and more efficient management of space and time.

Outcome 2:

Democratic culture is promoted and contributes to conflict prevention.

Outcome Achievements:

• Prevention and management of conflicts at the local level was reinforced through awareness raising activities, which reached more than 10,000 people and covered issues such as citizenship, advocacy, human rights and conflict prevention.
• Courses to promote conflict prevention benefited 602 opinion leaders, 500 women, 80 members of management committees AGR 317 conciliators mediators, 280 local officials, 10 trainers women paralegals and 150 women paralegals in sites program.
• Training of 777 young students from 54 youth networks and 29 school clubs on citizenship, respect for human rights and a culture of peace to strengthen young people's knowledge on the causes of conflict and improve their skills in citizenship and peaceful conflict resolution.
• Five day workshop on January 2013 were more than 200 young people (of which 40 are returnees) from 13 regions and their mayors were brought together to reflect on cultural diversity and social cohesion.
• 160 young people from 10 returnee’s locations were trained on the causes of social conflict and management of youth associations. Of these, 60 were supported for the creation and recognition of associations. An additional 200 participated in the Cultural Festival Mbagne.
• The completion of a draft National Strategy for Social Cohesion (SNCS) based on the study themes namely: Human Rights / Justice, Democracy / Participation / Citizenship, Social Protection / Tolerance / Peace, Gender, Macro-Policies economic, access to basic services, Land Question and Natural Resource Management.

Best Practices:

• A community approach to the constitution of village management committees of income-generating activities allowed the involvement of the various beneficiary communities of the joint program. This mode of community intervention was a key to the success of the program.
• The program clearly defined the relationship between national priorities and the Millennium Development Goals.
• The JP ensured the participation of key UN agencies, government departments and civil society in the definition of deliverables, and provided objectively verifiable indicators, which proved relevant for monitoring and evaluation.
• A hierarchical validation from the National Steering Committee for village committees through the Programme Management Committee facilitated implementation.
• The JP relied on civil society for implementation of certain activities and training of beneficiaries, while technical presence and regular monitoring was provided by the agencies.
• National consultant recruited to ensure countrywide coordination.
• Focus on knowledge sharing. 

Lessons Learned:

• Strong coordination within UN agencies is crucial to respond to potential implementation obstacles (delays in delivery of mid-term evaluation recommendations, for instance).

More details can be found in the documents below.