Protecting civilians in urban sieges: how to best support ‘first responders’

Urban warfare in Syria has had a devastating impact on besieged civilians targeted by deliberate aerial bombing and human rights abuses. Local actors, some with an overt humanitarian mandate, engage in civilian protection (CP) activities but often lack sufficient training, equipment and organization. This research in four besieged urban areas found a range of capabilities, understandings and mandates among six types of organizations involved in first response (FR). The mixed methods research methodology generated a strong evidence base to show how external actors can better support organizations undertaking CP. Based on the findings, this paper recommends: increasing remote support for such organizations, prioritizing training provision, assisting them to develop greater professionalism and coordination, and rolling out FR as a distinct concept from other humanitarian services.

Available from:
http://pubs.iied.org/17420IIED/?k=urban