The Asia Foundation

This report is a contribution to a broader study entitled, "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), which examines the peace process in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on international engagement. This...

This report is a contribution to a broader study entitled, "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), which examines the peace process in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on international engagement. This particular background study focuses on the relationship between the economic agenda of the United Nations Front (UNF) government and the peace process it initiated by signing the February 2002 Ceasefire Agreement (CFA). The UNF government tried to carry out an extensive programme of reforms on the economic front while initiating a difficult process of political negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The basic conclusion of the study is that the political fallout from the economic reform program undermined the peace process, signified by the defeat of the UNF government in April 2004.

The US Long Term International Observation Group (LTOG) was made up of fifteen international observers who were deployed in the provinces from May 20-Aug.15, 2003. The observation mission was administered by The Asia Foundation, and was part...

The US Long Term International Observation Group (LTOG) was made up of fifteen international observers who were deployed in the provinces from May 20-Aug.15, 2003. The observation mission was administered by The Asia Foundation, and was part of the US Government's contribution to the 2003 Cambodian National Assembly Election held on July 27, 2003. The observers monitored all provinces (except for Phnom Penh) during the pre-campaign period, the campaign period, polling and counting, and the post-election environment.

The Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, established in 1999. The association’s main activities are to train single-parent women-headed households to grow and sell organic...

The Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, established in 1999. The association’s main activities are to train single-parent women-headed households to grow and sell organic vegetables and poultry, and thereby increase their income.

In 2006 and 2007, The Asia Foundation (TAF) provided grants to the MWFA as part of its program promoting economic development and fighting against domestic violence. This report is an evaluation and assessment of the benefits and impacts of the project. 

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political...

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal...

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this...

The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this unprecedented longitudinal examination of decentralization, the Foundation and our partners have been able to diagnose problems with precision and, more important, put forward nuanced remedies that are applicable to the highly varied conditions across this enormously complex country.

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of...

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this unprecedented longitudinal examination of decentralization, the Foundation and our partners have been able to diagnose problems with precision and, more important, put forward nuanced remedies that are applicable to the highly varied conditions across this enormously complex country.

Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political...

Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and...

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess...

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess Indonesia's milestone decentralization process. It is intended to provide a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and to bring their views to the attention of national policy makers.

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and...

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess Indonesia's milestone decentralization process. It is intended to provide a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and to bring their views to the attention of national policy makers.

Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to...

Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to national attention.

In Bahasa: Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these...

In Bahasa: Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to national attention.

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The...

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The Electronic Procurement System in general and in His Majesty's Government in particular analyzes the awareness, preparedness, and requirements of using information and communication technology in all public procurements of Nepal. The objectives are to (a) review the present legal framework for financial transactions to be carried out online, (b) build consensus for IT-based procurement systems, (c) develop an e-Procurement strategy for the growth of e-Governance and e-Commerce, and (d) draft a pilot project document to demonstrate the viability of e-Procurement in Nepal.

This study is a collaborative effort between The Asia Foundation (Kathmandu) and the Horizons Project of the Population Council (New Delhi). The objectives and related research questions of the study are: To assess the policy context that...

This study is a collaborative effort between The Asia Foundation (Kathmandu) and the Horizons Project of the Population Council (New Delhi). The objectives and related research questions of the study are: To assess the policy context that underpins intervention activities for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons; To document and analyze current intervention models for the  prevention of trafficking, and the care and support of trafficked persons; To assess the features and determinants of vulnerability of girls and women to trafficking, as part of the larger problems of gender-based violence, migration for economic reasons and labor exploitation; To conceptualize the links between trafficking and HIV/AIDS; To recommend approaches to strengthen interventions to prevent trafficking and provide care and support to trafficked persons, and propose supporting rese arch and evaluation activities.

This study assesses Nepal’s policies and laws that address the trafficking of women and children in terms of effectiveness, human rights, international obligations, and the relationship between trafficking and HIV. Through both formal...

This study assesses Nepal’s policies and laws that address the trafficking of women and children in terms of effectiveness, human rights, international obligations, and the relationship between trafficking and HIV. Through both formal and informal methods utilizing primary and secondary data, the study reviewed policies and laws related to trafficking, HIV/AIDS, labor and foreign employment, foreign travel and migration, gender, and children’s issues. The study evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the Nepal’s policies and laws and offers recommendations for improving them.

The objective of this report is to “document and analyze current intervention models for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons in Nepal. This research aims to understand current perceptions of...

The objective of this report is to “document and analyze current intervention models for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons in Nepal. This research aims to understand current perceptions of trafficking and identify the assumptions that explicitly or implicitly inform intervention approaches. A comparative analysis of different intervention approaches (including their content and process) was made using a human rights framework. Issues of feasibility, coverage, effectiveness and sustainability were considered. Finally, lessons learned are highlighted.

Impunity or lack of fear of punishment not only weakens the concept of the rule of law but also violates the human rights of others, the victims and society at large. Human rights violations in Nepal are taking place on a day-to-day basis. The...

Impunity or lack of fear of punishment not only weakens the concept of the rule of law but also violates the human rights of others, the victims and society at large. Human rights violations in Nepal are taking place on a day-to-day basis. The political debate on whether it is right or wrong to absolve violators of the rights of citizens during transition is argued well by both sides—those for and against. However, because no conclusion has yet been reached—let alone anyone being punished—the rights of victims to see justice done continue to be violated. This study seeks to document the level of impunity in Nepal and identify areas and actions that may be undertaken to remedy the situation.

Ethnic conflict in the Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province continues to threaten the stability and development both of that region and the entire country. As a result, the Asia Foundation, the Foundation for Co-existence, and others are...

Ethnic conflict in the Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province continues to threaten the stability and development both of that region and the entire country. As a result, the Asia Foundation, the Foundation for Co-existence, and others are involved in efforts to develop a framework for early a warning and response to potential conflicts in the east. A necessary step in this process is research that offers an accurate assessment of public attitudes concerning this situation, a better understanding of the initial signs of conflict, and ways that conflict can be prevented. The purpose of this survey, based on individual interviews, was to systematically gauge ordinary citizens’ perceptions of conflict in the East, and to move beyond reliance on the “usual (key informant) suspects.” A secondary aim was to identify pressing issues that could be explored through a follow-up quantitative survey designed to measure changes in public perceptions of, and attitudes towards, the level of human security in the East.

This project by the Center for Research and Communication, supported by The Asia Foundation, evaluates the Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO) Transport Policy developed to reduce the high cost of transporting goods from Mindanao to Manila. The RO-RO...

This project by the Center for Research and Communication, supported by The Asia Foundation, evaluates the Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO) Transport Policy developed to reduce the high cost of transporting goods from Mindanao to Manila. The RO-RO policy's goal is to establish an integrated national highway system consisting of both road and nautical networks. The system would promote and facilitate seamless movement of people and goods from Mindanao to Luzon through the Visayas and has already delivered benefits, including reduced transport cost, increased regional trade, enhanced tourism and agricultural productivity, growth in investments, and development in the countryside as well as poverty reduction.

This report is part of a broader research and publication project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in cooperation with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR), with funding support from the...

This report is part of a broader research and publication project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in cooperation with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR), with funding support from the Henry Luce Foundation. A second volume will address regional and global factors, and a third will summarize the research findings and recommend next steps for improved policies and cooperation.

This report is part of a larger research and education project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in collaboration with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR). The project’s basic...

This report is part of a larger research and education project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in collaboration with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR). The project’s basic purpose is to examine various dimensions of the Vietnamese-American bilateral relationship, especially in the context of economic normalization between the two countries and a changing international environment in the Asia-Pacific region.

This report summarizes the discussion and conclusions of a U.S.-Vietnam dialogue held in Washington, D.C. in December 2004. Vietnamese and American representatives from the executive, legislative, business, non-governmental and academic...

This report summarizes the discussion and conclusions of a U.S.-Vietnam dialogue held in Washington, D.C. in December 2004. Vietnamese and American representatives from the executive, legislative, business, non-governmental and academic sectors participated in the conference. Its objective was to assess the bilateral relationship at the 10-year mark after normalization, and to offer recommendations to improve relations. The meeting was the final activity in a research and education project on U.S.-Vietnam relations conducted
by The Asia Foundation in collaboration with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR). The project’s ultimate goal is to promote a deeper understanding among Americans and Vietnamese on domestic and international factors that affect bilateral relations, encouraging more informed policymaking in the two countries.

The 2008 PCI survey is the largest and most comprehensive assessment and ranking of the performance of provincial governments based on the views expressed by over 7,820 domestic entrepreneurs and managers from firms across Vietnam’s 64...

The 2008 PCI survey is the largest and most comprehensive assessment and ranking of the performance of provincial governments based on the views expressed by over 7,820 domestic entrepreneurs and managers from firms across Vietnam’s 64 provinces. Every year, this highly anticipated survey gauges the impact of economic and administrative reforms at both the provincial and national levels and guides the decisions of Vietnam’s policymakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Summary of The Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness Index 2008: Measuring Economic Governance for Private Sector Development. The 2008 PCI survey is the largest and most comprehensive assessment and ranking of the performance of...

Summary of The Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness Index 2008: Measuring Economic Governance for Private Sector Development. The 2008 PCI survey is the largest and most comprehensive assessment and ranking of the performance of provincial governments based on the views expressed by over 7,820 domestic entrepreneurs and managers from firms across Vietnam’s 64 provinces. Every year, this highly anticipated survey gauges the impact of economic and administrative reforms at both the provincial and national levels and guides the decisions of Vietnam’s policymakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.

In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national election.

The...

In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national election.

The data reflect the situation in the last week of November 2008. The Asia Foundation and Data International Ltd. provided technical support. Conducted in 12 districts of the country (two in each of the six divisions), the perception study gathered impressions from a cross-section of ordinary citizens, civil society representatives, and local businesspersons through informal individual interviews in (i) each divisional headquarters and a proximate rural thana in the same district; and (ii) district headquarters of another randomly chosen district in each division and a proximate rural thana in the same district. A formal questionnaire with a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions was administered.