A formative evaluation of ICRC’s global efforts provides key insights to enhance multidisciplinary approaches to sexual violence in conflict settings.

Background

In 2015, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement adopted a resolution to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and specifically Sexual Violence (SV) in armed conflicts and emergency situations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) made institutional-wide efforts to integrate SV response mechanisms, including training, tool development, and advocacy, across various countries, such as CAR, Colombia, DRC, Mali, Somalia, and South Sudan. Assessments were conducted in Afghanistan, Egypt, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Syria, and other regions affected by the Syrian conflict. The ICRC contracted Triangle to conduct a formative evaluation of their global work on SV, aiming to enhance their practices and processes in this area.

The Challenge

ICRC’s response to SV has evolved significantly, but gaps remained in integrating a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. The organization sought to evaluate its existing strategies, assess their effectiveness, and refine interventions to ensure long-term impact. Challenges included varying regional contexts, limited resources, and the need for improved coordination across different operational areas. 

Our Approach

Triangle conducted the formative evaluation using a mixed-method research approach 

• Historical Context & Evolution: Reviewed ICRC’s approach to SV from its 2000 Women Facing War study to the Planning for Results (PfR) framework introduced in 2014. 
• Multidisciplinary Analysis: Assessed ICRC’s response across prevention, victim assistance, advocacy, and staff training to ensure a holistic evaluation. 
• Field Delegation Evaluations: Focused on three key ICRC field delegations, analysing their SV response mechanisms and HQ support structures from 2014 to 2016. 
• Data Collection & Stakeholder Engagement: Conducted desk reviews, case studies, field visits, and interviews with ICRC staff, partner organizations, and affected communities to gather comprehensive insights. 
• Governance & Accountability Frameworks: Ensured adherence to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s Fundamental Principles and the “Do no harm” approach. 

Results and Impact

The evaluation informed ICRC’s subsequent five-year strategy around sexual violence in the field 

• Strengthened Multidisciplinary Integration: Identified best practices for improving coordination between prevention, response, and advocacy efforts. 
• Enhanced Operational Effectiveness: Offered data-driven recommendations to refine policies, training, and field interventions. 
• Informed Future Strategy: Enabled ICRC to implement evidence-based improvements, ensuring its future SV response is contextually relevant and sustainable. 

Looking Ahead

Triangle’s evaluation supports ICRC in refining its approach to sexual violence response, ensuring more effective interventions in conflict-affected areas. By enhancing coordination and impact measurement, ICRC is better positioned to support survivors, advocate for policy changes, and strengthen global efforts to combat SV in armed conflicts.