8.1 Key criteria

Humanitarian imperative and severity:What are the key humanitarian problems? Are they violations of international humanitarian and human rights law? What is their severity-for example, the number of civilians affected, levels of mortality and suffering?

Capacity of the CO:Does the Country Office have, or can it mobilise, sufficient staff resources to analyse the issue, collect and transmit information, and develop compelling positions and messages?

Capacity elsewhere in CI:What is the potential support from RMU, CARE International Members and the CI Secretariat to engage in advocacy?

Credibility:Does the CO have a strong field or programme presence, a reliable evidence base, and specific expertise or experience with the advocacy issue? Is the issue consistent with CARE’s vision, values and humanitarian mandate?

Impact:What is the potential for CARE’s advocacy to influence, at a minimum, remedies for the humanitarian problems? Can it lend CARE’s voice and solidarity to others’ advocacy? Is the projected cost of deploying resources to advocacy instead of to other response activities worthwhile in terms of potential benefit to the humanitarian operation?

Risk:What potential security risks exist for CARE partners and beneficiaries? What risks exist for CARE’s reputation, relationships or raised expectations of the civilians?