How can the humanitarian–development–peace (HDP) nexus succeed? NGOs between humanitarian assistance, development cooperation and peacebuilding

This research project explores the conditions under which the humanitarian–development–peace (HDP) nexus approach can be successfully implemented. The project’s central focus is on analysing the impact of the HDP components—humanitarian assistance, development cooperation and peacebuilding—on local concepts of conflict, conflict resolution and peace and, in turn, their impact on the HDP nexus to understand the opportunities and challenges of including “peace” in humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. The project focuses on the experiences and perspectives of local communities and the existing instruments and activities of NGOs in approaching the HDP nexus in Iraq, South Sudan/the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mali. In this research project, bicc partners with the International Rescue Committee, Malteser International and Welthungerhilfe¹.

The HDP nexus was introduced as a policy concept by the Global Humanitarian Summit of 2016 with the intention of better linking humanitarian assistance, development cooperation and peacebuilding carried out by aid organisations operating in areas affected by war and violent conflict. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for these three areas to erode the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence due to their different mandates. In the context of volatile situations of war and armed conflict, it is necessary to consider the extent to which the interlinkages between these components and local concepts may enhance conflict or strengthen peacebuilding.

To address this question, this project takes into account that the concepts that often underpin policy implementation and assessment—such as conflict, conflict resolution or peace—are concepts from the global North, which can differ significantly from local concepts and approaches. The project argues that HDP nexus projects must consider and strengthen local understandings and locally existing peace potentials for them to succeed. Methodologically, it will draw on 18 months of fieldwork to develop a better understanding of the opportunities and risks of the HDP approach from a local perspective.

¹ bicc and the NGO partners halted the collaboration in Iraq in October 2023 due to rejected research permits for central Iraq.