Research and Evaluation

PTRO’s research and analysis have addressed the changing dynamics of the Afghan conflict, including the impact of insurgency and counterinsurgency operations on civilians and their security, humanitarian space, delivery of development services, and access to justice, among others. Our research on Afghanistan’s Peace and Reintegration Programme (APRP) has assessed the impact of government-backed local militias on security and peacebuilding in a number of insecure provinces in the country. We have also examined the role of women in the peace process and the dynamics of reintegrating former combatants into local communities. We have designed and implemented effective monitoring systems for human security in some of the most insecure districts in Afghanistan since 2001.

PTRO’s work is guided by the recognition of the fundamental role played by local context. We have a unique advantage in our ability to access multiple insecure environments and carry out research and programming promoting peacebuilding and good governance. We strive to ensure that our work is relevant to the people and the broader policy and decision-making community. At the same time, PTRO has built strong networking and intellectual linkages with regional (central and south Asian) and international research and academic institutions. Over the years, PTRO has provided an intellectual space and administrative support to PhD students and researchers from universities and research institutes in Europe, such as the Chr. Michelson Institute (CMI) in Norway, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

PTRO has highly experienced teams of evaluators and trainers to support its work in conflict analysis, mediation, peacebuilding and good governance. Our trainings are provided to community leaders, women and youth activists, local civil society organisations and government officials. We also carry out independent assessments of other organizations’ programmes from a conflict-sensitivity and conflict-mitigation perspective.