Civilians first: humanitarian diplomacy as a pathway to protection

At a time of increasingly complex, fragmented, and destructive conflicts, the importance of humanitarian diplomacy has never been greater. The recent publication of the European Union’s Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid underscores this reality, reaffirming the central role of protection, humanitarian diplomacy, and respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL). 

For organisations like Geneva Call, this recognition comes at a critical moment. 

A practical approach to protecting civilians 

Humanitarian diplomacy is often understood as high-level negotiations between states,” says Sabrina Saoudi, Geneva Call’s EU Office Head. “For Geneva Call, however, it is first and foremost a practical tool aimed at protecting civilians caught in armed conflict.

This work requires engagement not only with states, regional actors and international organisations, but also with all conflict parties, including armed groups and de facto or provisional authorities (AGDAs). These actors control territory, influence civilian populations, and play a decisive role in shaping patterns of violence. Ignoring them is not an option if the objective is to reduce harm. 

Humanitarian diplomacy, in this sense, is about engaging all relevant actors – however complex or controversial – with a clear and principled objective: improving the protection of civilians. 

A timely signal from the European Union 

“The EU’s Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid sends an important and welcome signal,” says Ms Saoudi. “Its strong emphasis on civilian protection, including the specific vulnerabilities of children, women, and frontline communities, reflects priorities shared across the humanitarian sector.” 

The recognition of humanitarian diplomacy, along with the promotion of IHL and IHRL as core pillars of principled humanitarian action, is particularly significant. Equally important is the commitment to engage with all relevant actors in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. 

For Geneva Call, this recognition is especially meaningful. The explicit reference to the organisation in the Staff Working Document on Humanitarian Diplomacy underscores growing acknowledgment of the importance of inclusive engagement and dialogue- including with AGDAs. 

At a time when civilians are bearing the heaviest costs of conflicts worldwide, maintaining humanitarian access, strengthening protection efforts, and keeping channels for dialogue open are not optional- they are essential. 

Keeping humanity at the centre 

Ultimately, humanitarian diplomacy is about putting people first. 

It is about ensuring that even in the most difficult circumstances, there are limits to violence. That assistance can reach those in need. That individuals affected by conflict retain their dignity and their rights. 

This requires persistence, pragmatism, and a willingness to engage where others cannot or will not. It also requires a shared commitment – among humanitarian actors, states, and international organisations – to uphold and defend the norms that protect civilians. 

As discussions around humanitarian diplomacy continue to evolve, it is essential to ground them in practice and experience. 

To explore these ideas further, we invite you to read the full interview of Geneva Call Director General Alain Délétroz on Simply Shada, which offers additional reflections on how humanitarian diplomacy works on the ground and why it matters today.