Global evaluation of UNICEF WASH programming in protracted crises, 2014-2019

The global evaluation of UNICEF water, sanitation and hygiene programming in protracted crises explores the extent to which UNICEF has been able to meet corporate commitments for this programming and whether tools and approaches designed largely for rapid-onset emergencies have been effective in protracted crises. The evaluation also looks at the experience of UNICEF in implementing the linking of humanitarian and development programming in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in protracted crises and how well placed the organization is to adapt its work to fully achieve its ambitions in this area. It is the first global evaluation looking at protracted crisis settings and thus contains lessons that apply beyond the WASH sector. The evaluation draws on evidence from a range of sources as well as four fieldbased case studies in Cameroon, Lebanon, Somaliland and South Sudan.

The evaluation finds that UNICEF has been largely successful in meeting water coverage targets, but progress in sanitation and hygiene has lagged behind. It also found that, while service coverage standards were adequate, increased emphasis was needed on equity and quality. Having insufficient outcome data or capability to articulate expected changes in people’s lives limits the ability of UNICEF to be accountable to affected populations and to ensure data -informed programming. The findings reflect the fact that protracted crises are among the most challenging operational contexts.