Morocco

Material outputs are most useful when they hold long-term temporal value and become staple references, such as handbooks and online repertories. Material outputs that require regular content update need to be clearly and productively linked to sustainability strategies. This applies to the project’s online resource the Rights Index Platform, because UN Treaty Bodies’ Recommendations available within the portal require regular updates corresponding with the publication schedules of human rights reports.

Activities that are based on discussions around complex themes and issues, and are organized in remote or marginal areas, are most impactful when held in person, rather than virtually. In this project, moving to virtual spaces proved difficult, both substantially and technologically, as in these areas regular online attendance was difficult to organize remotely, and was further compounded by technological impediments, potentially weakening effectiveness. 

Projects that require input from key decision-makers (e.g., members of parliament) can start at the national level and then trickle to the grassroots level, for more impact. In this case, input from the grassroots level assured nuances in project activities and addressed different local needs, but project sustainability and impact were assured through the critical work with high-level decision makers.

For sensitive topics such as monitoring government’s performance on human rights, organizations that have strong expertise, hold inter-generational membership, and work effectively on both the grassroots and national level, are best placed to carry-out multi-scalar projects and gain support and trust by high-level decision-makers. 

The capacity-building process is a marathon, not a sprint. It must involve regular coaching of trainees and performance monitoring in order to ensure sustainability. In order for capacity-building activities to achieve their intended results, one must ensure the activities are inclusive to all, including the vulnerable and illiterate. The use of audio-visual approaches in social media has proved to reach a larger number of people than the 'class-format' approach.

Full scale mobilization and engagement of relevant stakeholders throughout all regions of the target country (Morocco) is crucial to project success. The creation of structures of coordination and new civil society networks has been a key factor in successful implementation of the project throughout Morocco.