Strengthening Child Protection System in Cox’s Bazar District

This endline evaluation assesses the “Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Cox’s Bazar District” project, implemented in Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Eidgah, and Ukhia Upazilas, Bangladesh—an area facing acute child protection challenges due to the Rohingya refugee crisis. The project aimed to enhance both community-based and government-led child protection systems by addressing critical issues such as child labor, early marriage, and abuse through strategic community engagement, institutional capacity building, and policy advocacy.

Conducted by GRM Consulting Services Limited in early 2024, the evaluation followed the OECD/DAC criteria, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys with 456 beneficiaries and 448 control group participants, and qualitative tools including interviews and focus group discussions with various stakeholders. Data triangulation enhanced the validity of findings despite challenges such as socio-cultural barriers and geographical limitations.

The project was found to be highly relevant and contextually adapted to local child protection needs, aligning well with national policies and effectively integrating local socio-cultural dynamics. It met its objectives on time and within budget, with strong outcomes in community awareness and institutional responsiveness. Child protection committees were established and supported with appropriate training, fostering collaboration between communities and government agencies.

Moreover, the intervention created meaningful synergies with other governmental and non-governmental initiatives, promoting a holistic approach to child protection. However, while foundational progress in community engagement and system integration was evident, stakeholders expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of these outcomes without continued support and resources.

Key recommendations include strengthening community-government linkages, sustaining culturally tailored awareness programs, integrating project approaches into national frameworks, and investing in long-term capacity development for local actors. These efforts are essential to ensure lasting impact and systemic improvements in child protection in Cox’s Bazar.