Social Inquiry

The latest issue of The International Spectator is out and features an academic paper from our co-directors discussing the integration of the Peace domain in implementing the #HDP Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus in Iraq. Using quantifiable indicators on each HDP domain, this paper touched directly on how the HDP approach in Iraq left out considerations on advancing ‘hard’ security elements linked to protection of civilians and dealing with local security provisions, namely, the predatory role of non-state and hybrid armed actors. These elements were seen either as unaddressable by the means mobilized within the civilian HDP response or left to a military approach that had differing aims. Findings thus take relevance in the current regional dynamics. #Humanitarian and #Development indicators saw an improvement -- #Peace ones had mixed results. “Leaving hard security elements that are of salience to crisis and conflict-affected populations unaddressed means that there will always be a portion of citizens without sustainable solutions. The question then is whether a ‘good enough for the moment’ response to resolving crises and displacement through HDP nexus implementation is, in fact, good enough.” Check the whole issue, with critical perspectives on HDP in different contexts, in the link below: https://lnkd.in/d7ZSKD_P

The latest issue of The International Spectator features an academic paper from our co-directors discussing the integration of the Peace domain in implementing the #HDP Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus in Iraq. Using quantifiable indicators on each HDP domain, this paper touched directly on how the HDP approach in Iraq left out considerations on advancing ‘hard’ security elements linked to protection of civilians and dealing with local security provisions, namely, the predatory role of non-state and hybrid armed actors. These elements were seen either as unaddressable by the means mobilized within the civilian HDP response or left to a military approach that had differing aims. Findings thus take relevance in the current regional dynamics. #Humanitarian and #Development indicators saw an improvement -- #Peace ones had mixed results. “Leaving hard security elements that are of salience to crisis and conflict-affected populations unaddressed means that there will always be a portion of citizens without sustainable solutions. The question then is whether a ‘good enough for the moment’ response to resolving crises and displacement through HDP nexus implementation is, in fact, good enough.” Check the whole issue, with critical perspectives on HDP in different contexts, in the link below: https://lnkd.in/d7ZSKD_P

Social Inquiry’s latest #newsletter of the year is out. We have there a list of our most recent publications and contributions, including on Iraq’s areas of no return, humanitarian response in Northeast Syria, understanding child recruitment and reintegration in Iraq, and a paper on the HDP nexus—keep in touch with us (and subscribe here too 👇). Access the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/dR_q38sF Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/dw8QfaNr

Here is our latest report, co-authored with Humanitarian Policy Group, exploring the relationship between the humanitarian system and people’s #wellbeing in protracted crises such as Northeast Syria. This is a case study within a larger research project on displacement, rights and wellbeing. Link to the report 👉 https://lnkd.in/dUfREx9v For this research, we travelled to #Qamishli in 2023 to explore a seeming dichotomy on the surface in protracted crises: survival and the pursuit of wellbeing—how ordinary people navigate seeking both and the ways in which humanitarian actors impact this line. We spoke with conflict-affected and displaced residents to gain insights into how they aspire to live good lives in such a complex and changing context. We also talked about this with local authorities and local and international partners working on the overall response in Northeast Syria. The aim is to uncover ways in which aid actors can create a better enabling environment for people in crises to pursue wellbeing on their own terms, beyond survival alone. #Recommendations underscore the need for: 1) engaging more and directly with de facto state authorities for aid provision; 2) implementing conflict-sensitive communication and prioritization; 3) expanding multi-year funding and flexible program cycles; and 4) including affected populations in decision-making and directing more support to local civil society. Above all, the question of what constitutes a good life should be the starting point and throughline for any systematic approach to addressing protracted crises and displacement—centered on the promotion and respect of rights in these settings. #Syria #Wellbeing #Conflict #HumanitarianAid #CommunityEngagement

Our Co-Director Nadia Siddiqui will be in Amman next week to share some key findings from our recent case study in Northeast Syria on the relationship between humanitarian response and people’s wellbeing as part of a wider panel discussion focused on displacement, rights and wellbeing, in conjunction with the Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG). The panel will also detail the broader policy implications for humanitarian actors regarding wellbeing and displacement as well as new findings on resolving displacement in the Middle East and globally. We hope to trigger deeper thinking and, more importantly, action on how humanitarian actors can better engage in rights-related issues that are critical to wellbeing, particularly in settings of protracted displacement. Join us online or in person in Amman on April 23 → https://lnkd.in/esN_Bx9u

👇 Check below the post from our co-director on our contributions to the Iraq case study for the UNODC comparative study on child recruitment and exploitation by terrorist groups.