Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning | A Guide for NHRIs in the Asia Pacific Module 2: Developing your MEAL Framework Section 2.7. Identifying dependencies and assumptions Indicators Baselines Targets Outcomes Inputs Activities Outputs MEAL Framework Problem/ issue Dependencies Assumptions Data types and sources Questions Dependencies Dependencies are the external factors that impact your work and your MEAL Framework. They are outside your NHRI’s control but may impact your activities, outputs and outcomes. Dependencies are not a core part of the MEAL Framework but are useful to think about and include. • Dependencies: the external factors that may impact on whether you are able to deliver your outcomes. Examples of dependencies include: • political climate • funding for human rights programming • disasters, such as tropical cyclones • partnerships with other NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific region • support from APF. REFLECT AND DISCUSS: GROUP EXERCISE ON DEPENDENCIES • What are the dependencies that may impact our NHRI’s work? • Which dependencies may impact our work negatively or positively? • Do we need to adapt our outcomes, outputs and activities in light of these dependencies? Assumptions Assumptions explain how you think change will happen and the connections between the activities, outputs and outcomes. • Assumptions: how you think change may happen, often based on opinions or beliefs. 50