Interrogating the Evidence Base on Humanitarian Localisation: A literature study

The impact of ‘localisation’ on strengthening effective and efficient responses to humanitarian crises continues to be a key policy and practice concern for donors and the broader sector. Criticisms of a ‘broken’ humanitarian system dominated by international actors has led to commitments, such as those in the Grand Bargain, intended to bring transformational change. These include promises to address inequalities in the system, such as the inequitable recognition given to local actors despite their frontline role in humanitarian responses. This report presents the findings of a review of the localisation literature. It includes recommendations based on an assessment of existing evidence base on local humanitarian action.