Entries by Leigh Mayhew

This article explores assumptions that humanitarian actors carry in their response to violent conflict. As such, it identifies challenges that humanitarians encounter that undermine an effective reduction of violence, and the assumptions that undermine civilian protection. This reflection is accompanied by implications and recommendations for practice and policy for humanitarian actors to address the threat of violence. Read more here

Based on research conducted over a two-year period (2022-2024), this report examines how communities directly and indirectly engage with armed actors in a context marred with conflict and violence. The report finds that engagement with armed actors is influenced by many conditions, challenges, opportunities and risks. Finally, the report provides insights on how to leverage such engagement in a way that can reduce violence and contribute to greater complementarity between humanitarian, protection, and peacebuilding interventions….

This report discusses community engagement with armed actors, and identifies factors, actions, and actors can influence such engagement. The report finds that community engagement with armed actors presents both opportunities and challenges. Finally, the report provides suggestions on how national, and international peace, protection and humanitarian actors can effectively engage with armed actors through enhancing complementarity between humanitarian, especially protection, and peacebuilding actors. Read more here