NRC's key messages on the Nexus
Ensuring the preservation of humanitarian space within the Nexus
between humanitarian, development and peace actors is the primary RECOMMENDATIONS (externally)
concern for NRC. This is especially important in an active conflict
situation and other situations of violence. NRC believes that NRC wants to see NGOs invited to participate in discussions
humanitarian principles should be the guiding modality for our around the Nexus, both in country and at global level. This
coordination and/or collaboration with other actors. includes more transparency on the role of the UN Joint Steering
Committee.
The fundamental character of humanitarian response is needs- and
rights-based and should not be subject to a political agenda. Collective NRC encourages global guidance on the questions that remain
Outcomes must be defined based on needs rather than on political unanswered, such as: Who defines, owns and leads on Collective
objectives. outcomes? What is the role of Humanitarian Country Teams in
deciding Collective Outcomes at country level? How will the
The Nexus and Collective Outcomes need to be contextualised down to accountability mechanisms look? How do we ensure neutrality
a community-level, as different regions/areas necessitate different and independence while at the same time implementing through
approaches. It should never be a one-size fits all model. increased collaboration with national governments?
Flexible and predictable multi-year funding: Donors need to provide the
framework for advancing collaboration by giving flexible and predictable
multi-year funding and allowing humanitarian actors to access RECOMMENDATIONS (internally)
development funds or enabling and encouraging development actors to
come in earlier. We encourage NRC Country Offices to engage in the discussion
and make sure that NGOs are involved, especially where NRC is
In line with Grand Bargain commitments, donors also need to harmonise sitting on the Humanitarian Country Teams and in the countries
and simplify processes and reporting requirements associated with where the Nexus approach is being piloted (i.e. the EU pilot
humanitarian and development funding mechanisms. countries of Chad, Iraq, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan and Uganda).
Lack of information and transparency around the process of We hope NRC Country Offices are asking for clarity on how to
implementing the Nexus and the New Way of Working is a barrier for implement the Nexus at country level. Let’s promote this as an
coordination and collaboration in many country situations, and is opportunity to shape the outcome and work to achieve our global
impeding inclusive discussions at a global level and shrinking NGOs’ ambitions on protection and durable solutions.
space.
We encourage all relevant parts of NRC to ensure that the Nexus
An inclusive approach, ensuring that affected people participate in the is taken into consideration in relevant policies and programmes.
assessment and analysis of needs, the development of Collective
Outcomes and programme design is crucial to the success of
collaborative efforts.
Risks and opportunities of the Nexus
CONCERNS AND RISKS FROM AN NGO PERSPECTIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR NRC AND NGOS
Lack of clarity about the leadership and process around Greater involvement of development actors in protracted crises
implementing the Nexus and Collective Outcomes. allow humanitarians to focus on saving lives, alleviating suffering,
maintaining human dignity, and protecting civilians in vulnerable
Lack of meaningful involvement of NGOs in many contexts. Risks situations.
that shifting coordination mechanism can limit NGO space.
Discussing Collective Outcomes is already gathering people
Risk of increased politicisation of the humanitarian response, if around the table who have not previously been coordinating,
the "P" of the Nexus is linked to politics and stabilisation, sharing information or collaborating.
counterterrorism and countering violent extremism.
We need to be a part of the decision-making process. NRC is
Because there is a lack of clarity, some NGOs are concerned we known as a convener, coordinator, and contributor. Let’s take our
may witness an erosion of the humanitarian space and ability to role to engage in the country level discussions and not only leave
deliver principled humanitarian response. it to the UN.
WHAT COULD THE NEXUS MEAN FOR OUR FUNDRAISING AND PARTNERSHIPS?
The EU is operationalising the nexus by bridging institutional boundaries and having ECHO and DEVCO work jointly, especially in the six EU pilot
countries: Chad, Iraq, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan and Uganda.
Bilateral donors are also working to enhance internal coherence. For instance, in the countries where Sweden has both humanitarian support and
development cooperation, Sida is increasing common analysis, planning and programming. In the allocation process for 2018, Sida opened a specific
window for multi-year humanitarian support aiming at avoiding humanitarian dependency.
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
The “New Way of Working” examined: An ICVA briefing paper, ICVA, September 2017
New Way of Working, OCHA, 2017
A read out of the Dakar workshop by a few NGOs, NRC, CARE, ACF, IRC, June 2018
Collective Outcomes, Operationalizing the New Way of Working, OCHA, April 2018
E-learning: Demystifying the Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus, Five webinars in the Nexus by ICVA and PHAP, April-September 2018
