ReliefWeb

As humanitarians we can never take over the role of the state, but we do have a complementary part to play, remaining accountable to the people we seek to support. That can involve coordinating, supporting, capacity building and advocating with the relevant authorities to uphold their protection responsibilities towards people at risk. This booklet brings together guidance and lessons learned from efforts by humanitarian organisations in a range of contexts to play that complementary role, engaging with the state and armed groups on one level as well as with the people themselves on another.