International workshop on accountability

LWF Nepal,

Kathmandu April 7

To strengthen accountability both; in development and emergency situations, a-four day international workshop on “Strengthening Accountability in LWF Country Programs” was held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The program that kicked off on 5 April concluded on 8 April, 2011.

“The workshop is geared towards protecting our communities, disaster affected people and focus groups against sexual exploitation and abuse of power,” said Ms. Maryssa Canaddo, a LWF Geneva staff, designated for accountability and quality management. The workshop aimed at introducing the concepts of accountability, the debates and different initiatives and framework among the participants. There were 10 Accountability Focal Persons from LWF country programs of Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and India participating in the program.

The workshop also targeted to build up understanding about the complain mechanism. It also aimed at having a common understanding and applicability creating a safe environment and applicability of various accountability tools. It further eyed towards establishing effective complaints mechanism and response. Exploring importance of investigation and managing investigations and discuss the role of Accountability Focal Person in the country programs were other objectives of the program. LWF subscribes to the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP). “HAP is our core value,” adds Canaddo.