Blog
As global complex crises abound, how can the US ensure its responses are sensitive to conflict?
15 July 2021
The number and severity of crises over the last decade was stretching the aid sector well before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Violent conflict is the primary driver of humanitarian needs, with the World Bank estimating that by 2030, two thirds of the world’s extreme poor will live in areas affected by conflict. Donor governments are having to become more nimble, knowledgeable and strategic in their efforts to respond to conflict, while addressing humanitarian conditions and promoting long-term development.
To help their staff rise to the challenge, a number of European donors – including The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and the European Investment Bank – have established conflict-focused global ‘helpdesks’ and country support ‘facilities’. The helpdesks produce tailored conflict analysis and guidance across many countries and themes, while conflict-sensitivity facilities are focused on individual countries, serving as a resource for an entire national aid sector. Both models are comprised of NGO consortiums with deep experience in the sector and context. As a major donor, is it time US agencies invested in a similar kind of support?