What IS MONITORING

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Monitoring is a broad term, used in many contexts, that describes various stages of collection, verification, and analysis by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) of information concerning public interest issues, including civil, political, social, and economic rights. Monitoring, sometimes called fact-finding. encompasses two principal elements; Investigation and documentation.

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There are a variety of methods for conduction monitoring activities. Investigation can occur, for example, through interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations; observation of events such as trials, elections, and demonstrations; or the use of more scientific survey techniques. It can also involve visits to relevant sites, including refuges camps or prisons. Documentation of the information and evidence gathered can take the form of a written, printed report or an open letter, or it may serve as the basis for a public meeting. Selecting the appropriate monitoring methods and forms depends not only on the objectives of the public interest organization , but also on a myriad of external and internal factors. One cannot overemphasize how critical it is that the information gathered is accurate and reliable , and that it is presented in as timely manner as possible. In the context of human rights advocacy, challenges to the accuracy of the monitoring process and its results can undermine an entire campaign effort.  

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WHY INVESTIGATE AND DOCUMENT

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Monitoring is important for many reasons. Monitoring exposes human rights abuses or other public interest problems, providing a vital public education tool by helping to dispel the myth that such problems do not occur of that they are rare. With respect to human rights issues, not  only can such exposure compel recalcitrant governments to cease violations or decrease their numbers; it pressures other states and human rights organizations to act as will become fully informed of the nature and extent of human rights abuses or violations of other rights. Through monitoring for example, an advocate is able to discern whether a specific violation is an isolated event or falls within a larger pattern of abuse. Once an advocate is knowledgeable about the facts concerning a public interest issue and understands what requires attention and reform, the advocate can devise an appropriate plan of action. Such a plan may include efforts to change the law ( for example), to improve poorly written or harmful legal provisions). its interpretation (for example, to correct mistaken or overly narrow interpretations of the Law), 

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