In conflict zones across the world, civilians are adopting a variety of strategies and utilizing various capabilities to try to mitigate the impact of violence and abuse. They also make efforts to repair the damage done to their lives and livelihoods. However, international humanitarian organizations are still failing to fully comprehend and integrate these local efforts in their own response strategies.

This report explores the role of local populations in their own protection, the role of local non-state actors in strengthening those efforts and the relationship between these and the strategies adopted by international humanitarian responses. It also highlights the tensions, challenges and opportunities inherent in localized approaches to protection.