Final evaluation of the project “Support to the Implementation of Anti-discrimination Legislation and Mediation in Serbia�
Methodology In preparing the methodology, the evaluator used the Terms of Reference (ToR) as the primary guide, designing the process that would give the expected outcomes within a limited timeframe. The evaluation consisted of four phases: (1) Inception, (2) Desk Review, (3) Field Interviews, and (4) Reporting/Discussion. Due to the short timeframe these phases were to some extent overlapping. During the Inception phase, interviews were conducted at the project office to re-confirm the nature and objectives of the evaluation, which were primarily set within the ToR. The Evaluation Questions were also discussed in detail. During this phase, the secondary data was delivered as well as logistic arrangements being set for the field interviews. Timeframe of the evaluation was also reconfirmed during this phase. The Desk Review phase included the review and analysis of the secondary data, primarily the project progress reports and EC monitoring reports, with other relevant publications and reports which were also taken into consideration. Field interviews were organised with the representatives of the donor, their project partners and key external experts, through semi-structured interviews. During the reporting/discussion phase, a draft evaluation report was prepared and circulated for comment and revised accordingly. Performance criteria were assessed based on the portfolio review of the key project reports and further validated through the interviews with experts in the field, representatives of the project partners and the project staff members.
Limitations of the Evaluation The main limitation encountered was the extremely tight timeframe, which led to the various phases of the evaluation overlapping. Nonetheless, the evaluator feels that the combination of interviews with key figures and desk analysis provide a reasonably sound basis for the conclusions given in the report. Detailed interviews with the project staff in combination with deep analysis of the progress reports have led to significant clarification of the points made. The quality of impact and outcome indicators is not sufficient, further limiting the assessment of status and achievement of overall objectives and project purpose/specific objectives of the project intervention.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION Project Background Ever since the democratic changes in Serbia, international organisations and civil society organisations (CSOs), as well as other actors, have called on Serbia to advance the legal framework for proscribing discrimination in the country. Progress on the prohibition of discrimination was made with the adoption of the new Constitution of the Republic of Serbia in 2006, through which the equality of all citizens before the Constitution and Law is guaranteed and all discrimination (direct and indirect)
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