Center for Civilians in Conflict

A mindset shift — not just a structural one — is what the humanitarian sector needs most right now. Yesterday, I had the chance to speak publicly with United Nations OCHA's Chief Tom Fletcher on the humanitarian reset. It left me hopeful, but also deeply reflective. In this piece, I share a few personal takeaways: ▪️ Why local actors must move from being just consulted to being central ▪️ What it means to truly draw a red line when it comes to aid worker safety ▪️ How hyper-prioritization risks pushing millions of people into the shadows ▪️ Why neutrality must not become silence ▪️ And finally, why communications can no longer be treated as an afterthought when narratives matter more than ever. This is not a moment for cosmetic change. It’s a chance to get honest about what needs to shift, and it begins with the one thing that’s hardest to change: our mindset. 📖 Read the full article below 👇 Your thoughts/ feedback are always welcome. #humanitarianreset #humanitarianaction #notatarget #actforhumanity #protectcivilians

Humanitarians are #NotATarget. During #PoCWeek2025 at the UN in New York, a panel discussion spotlighted the risks faced by humanitarian workers supporting communities in conflict—often those most exposed to danger. With thanks to the Missions of Australia (James Larsen and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Switzerland (Pascale Baeriswyl and Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN in Rome), CIVIC Executive Director Hichem Khadhraoui moderated the event, which explored concrete steps to strengthen frontline protection. What’s needed now isn’t more acknowledgment—but accountability, resourcing, and reform. Panelists urged policymakers and partners to close legal gaps, invest in staff security, and ensure accountability for attacks.

Why is protecting civilians in Somalia so crucial❓ Because millions are caught between conflict and climate crises. At CIVIC, we're building protection from the ground up by partnering with communities to strengthen their safety, amplify their voices, and training armed forces to protect civilians. #Somalia #ProtectCivilians #NotATarget #Africa

Next week, our Director of Communications, Hajer Naili, will be in conversation with UN OCHA Chief Tom Fletcher to explore what a humanitarian reset must look like in the face of today’s mounting crises. From the global funding shortfall to the collapse of civilian protection norms and the rise in attacks on humanitarian workers, this discussion will tackle the urgent questions that demand bold answers and action. Details on how to join the discussion are in the post below 👇🏽 #HumanitarianReset #ProtectCivilians #NotATarget #ActForHumanity

As #PoCWeek2025 wraps up, we aren’t leaving with easy answers—but the urgency of what comes next is clearer than ever. Some of the hardest, most necessary conversations took center stage: what’s missing, what’s possible, and what it will take to advance protection in some of the world’s most pressing conflicts. These weren’t abstract discussions—they reflected the complex threats shaping today’s protection landscape: explosive weapons in urban areas, unchecked arms transfers, climate-driven displacement, gendered harm, and the operational challenges of frontline protection. We’ll be sharing reflections and takeaways on these themes in the days ahead—because recognition is only the start. #PoCWeek2025 #ProtectCivilians #NotATarget

Gloomy skies in New York have mirrored the somber mood felt during discussions at #PoCWeek2025 on the rising risks civilians face in conflicts around the world. From the Security Council chamber to informal hallway conversations, one key message is being echoed over and over: protection must move from principle to practice. #NotATarget

States are meeting at the United Nations Security Council today to discuss Secretary-General António Guterres' report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. As the debate unfolds, we reiterate our call for tangible action and accountability—not just reaffirmed commitments. Tune in: https://lnkd.in/d_Yf-hHz #PoCWeek2025 #NotATarget

What does #EWIPA really mean? It’s an acronym we hear often in this space. But behind it are real lives, homes, and futures shattered by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The harm is immediate and long-lasting. Displacement, death, trauma, and entire neighborhoods made unlivable. Their use in populated areas must be avoided—a reminder we’re driving home at #PoCWeek2025.

🎙️Work in humanitarian or international development? Season Two of https://Causes.Show: Humanitarian & Disinformation 👉 Deep dives into today’s humanitarian crises 👉 Insights on leadership in the most challenging contexts 🧠 On Thursday: hear about the mental health of people in Gaza in the context of the ongoing humanitarian blockade. Featuring: ➡️ Dr Yasser Jamei, Gaza Community Mental Health Programme ➡️ Sayyeda Salam, Concern Worldwide UK ➡️ Hichem Khadhraoui, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) ➡️ Rose Caldwell, Plan International UK ➡️ Chris Morris, Full Fact ➡️ Romilly Greenhill, Bond UK ➡️ Jean-Michel Grand, Action Against Hunger UK ➡️ Helen McEachern, CARE International UK 🔗 Subscribe at https://Causes.Show for upcoming episodes (and links to previous ones with: Helen Walker, James Gough, Dr Sohail Hanif, Lisa Barry, Emma Cherniavsky, Matt Downie MBE, Beth Eggleston, Natalie Roberts, Dr Sarah Hughes, Jess Crombie & Rizwan Yusoof.) #humanitarian