Protection in practice

The evolution of modern conflict and the proliferation of complex emergencies has highlighted the issue of civilian security and protection in violent conflict. The question of how to provide protection to civilians and refugees – or how to enhance and not diminish their security – has become a matter of growing debate over the last decade, both in the humanitarian sector and in the wider political sphere. Yet there is still little clarity as to the appropriate roles and responsibilities of humanitarian agencies in terms of civilian protection and a limited understanding of which protection strategies and activities would be relevant in different contexts.

The deliberate targeting of civilians and the increasingly blurred distinction between civilians and combatants has made protection more necessary and at the same time more complex. Whilst many of the primary protective measures are taken by the threatened people themselves, and the responsibility for maintaining a secure environment rests with political actors, there remains an important part to be played by humanitarian agencies in helping people protect their lives and livelihoods. This is particularly true where a government does not uphold its responsibility to protect people within the boundaries of the state, whether through loss of control, deliberate policy or otherwise. Traditional external mechanisms for protecting civilians, such as those provided by the ICRC and UNHCR, are under increasing strain and there is much debate in humanitarian circles about the nature and effectiveness of protection-related activities and strategies in specific crisis contexts.

The project approach

HPG has been developing a body of work on the protection of civilians. This study on 'protection in practice' aims to examine current practice in humanitarian protection and explore strategies, programmes and initiatives undertaken in different contexts to support the protection of civilians (see research framework). Focusing on roles, outcomes and internal and external limitations of humanitarian actors, the purpose of the research is to draw lessons and elicit best practice, rather than evaluate specific programmes or agencies. It is hoped that this latest HPG study will provide a timely contribution to the field of protection in violent conflict and will help managers, policy makers and specialist staff address issues of rationale, design and implementation of protective interventions.

This work forms part of a wider body of research on the subject of civilian security and humanitarian protection, which includes seperate studies aimed at understanding different concepts of protection (political, human rights and humanitarian) as well as the relevance and application of protective status (refugee, IDP, civilian) for people's security.

If you would like to contact the project team please email Sara Pantuliano, James Darcy or Sorcha O'Callaghan.