Humanitarian Policy Group

This mapping tool collates evidence of local forms of humanitarian action across the world. It documents changes in commitments and practice at different levels, and how complementary ways of working contribute to humanitarian outcomes during the pandemic. You can also contribute by submitting evidence from your organisation or your work by completing this form. 

Exploring the key issues and challenges that prevent more inclusive humanitarian action.

Our new study, synthesised in this report, identified seven principles that make a collective approach to Communication and Community Engagement effective. 

In 2017, HPG published a study on how the lives of women and girls had changed following forced displacement to Peshawar from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan. A surprisingly positive picture emerged, despite the pervasive discourse in the humanitarian sector that displacement made women more vulnerable.

In September, FGS’ Office of the Prime Minister and ODI’s Humanitarian Policy Group brought together 31 Somali and international actors to explore how Somalia can build a sustainable health system. Three leading experts give their views here.

To mark this year’s World Humanitarian Day, the Humanitarian Policy Group is sharing a series of opinion pieces from humanitarian leaders in different parts of the world.

In 2019 we concluded research on our Integrated Programme (IP) on humanitarian action From the ground up and embarked on a new IP focused on Inclusivity and invisibility.

Developing the Global Protection Cluster’s strategy for advocacy is a key component of protection in humanitarian response.

Will Covid-19 provide the opportunity to shift towards more local humanitarian action?

Awareness of communication and community engagement in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has lead to a surge of interest in humanitarian settings.

This study explores how and to what extent collective approaches to communication and community engagement have – or have not – been implemented in Yemen.

Achieving a more ‘local’ response to humanitarian crises has been an explicit ambition for decades, however the barrier to greater local action is not a dearth of capacity but the reluctance of international actors. 

See our fourth annual independent report, which assesses the progress made against commitments under the Grand Bargain during 2019. 

This paper examines how gender roles change in crisis and asks how gender has been integrated into humanitarian programming. 

New blog and animation examine how international humanitarian assistance makes up just 1% of resource flows to countries affected by humanitarian crises.

As local as possible, as international as necessary? New research explores how capacity and complementarity impact local humanitarian action. 

This report details the experiences and lessons learned through the design and development of a new independent service for the users of humanitarian assistance.

Is the ‘new way of working’ for refugees actually working? This review assesses progress in four East African countries.

Localising research comes with considerable opportunities and challenges - and can unearth some uncomfortable truths.

Our latest annual report summarises HPG’s principal research and non-research work for the period April 2018–March 2019.

This paper investigates how affected people coped with the floods in southern Nepal in 2017, with a particular focus on resources beyond the international humanitarian system. 

A major peer-reviewed journal that blends world-class research around the nexus of disaster studies, policy and management.

This new annual report analyses progress made and obstacles met by signatories to the Grand Bargain, and recommends actions to stay on track.

This paper explores the situation of displaced Libyans, both within Libya itself and in Tunisia, and the strategies they have adopted to protect themselves.

Mosul in Iraq has faced an ongoing humanitarian crisis since 2017. Our research finds that international assistance is just one part of the city's recovery.

Multi-year funding promises cost-efficiency, earlier response to crises and better quality. Has it worked?

New research explores the hopes and challenges facing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and recommends ways to improve their lives in long-term displacement. 

New report reveals how financing partnerships can help to increase investment and meet today's growing humanitarian needs.  

The biggest humanitarian crisis in 2019 is not any single crisis but the subordination of human lives to other gains.

It's a key concept in humanitarian action – but to what extent has dignity been promoted in responses to displacement? 

With over a million Rohingya refugees now displaced in Bangladesh, three experts share insights on the long-term solutions needed.

Explore how direct and indirect funding reaches local and national humanitarian actors in South Sudan and Somalia. 

Three alternative visions that reimagine and rebuild a more effective humanitarian system that truly puts people at the centre.

This new research reveals bank de-risking measures are creating serious challenges for humanitarian organisations operating in conflict areas. 

Despite their vulnerabilities, older people can play a vital role if included properly in humanitarian responses.

New research investigates the potential of blockchain to help deliver humanitarian assistance and create a more transparent, efficient sector.