Human Rights-Based Evaluation in German and International Development Cooperation

These DEval resources include a literature review, a set of selected resources, and an introductory video which explore how human rights principles—such as participation, inclusion, accountability, and non-discrimination—can be integrated into evaluation processes. 

The central resource in this collection is the Human Rights-Based Evaluation in German and International Development Cooperation: Literature Review. This paper examines strategies, guidelines, tools, and evaluation reports from 2014 to 2021, produced by multilateral and bilateral development organisations. It provides an overview of the current knowledge on human rights-based evaluation (HRBE), exploring its core principles, practical applications, and gaps in existing approaches. The review serves as a foundational resource for understanding HRBE and supporting its use in both conceptual discussions and practical evaluation work.

DEval complements the literature review with a curated selection of resources focused on HRBE. These include tools and frameworks designed to help practitioners incorporate human rights principles into evaluations, offering practical guidance for aligning evaluation processes with these standards.

An accompanying video provides an introduction to HRBE and summarises key findings from DEval’s work. It offers a clear and concise overview, making it an ideal entry point for those new to human rights-based evaluation approaches.

Sources

Worm, I., Hanitzsch, M., Taube, L., & Bruder, M. (2022). Human Rights-Based Evaluation in German and International Development Cooperation: Literature Review (DEval Discussion Paper 1/2022). German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval). https://www.deval.org/fileadmin/Redaktion/PDF/05-Publikationen/Discussion_Paper/2022_1_HRBE_Literature_Review/DEval_Discussion_Paper_1_2022_HRBE_LiteratureReview.pdf

German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval). (2021). Selected Resources for Human Rights-Based Evaluation. German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval). https://www.deval.org/fileadmin/Redaktion/PDF/05-Publikationen/Berichte/2021_Menschenrechte/Selected_Resources_for_Human_Rights_Based_Evaluation.pdf

German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval). (2021, October 12). DEval Explains: Human rights-based evaluation in international development cooperation [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdFD736Rs_I