Partners under pressure: humanitarian action for the Syria crisis

Area of Science:

• Humanitarian Action
• International Development
• Conflict Studies

Background:

• Humanitarian crisis partnerships are complex, especially under remote management in insecure environments.
• Limited research exists on collaborations between local organizations with access and international funders.
• This study addresses the gap by examining partnerships in the Turkey-Syria border region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify components of successful partnerships between local and international humanitarian organizations.
• To redefine organizational and operational capacity in crisis contexts.
• To analyze the impact of monitoring, evaluation, and donor requirements on local partners.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research methodology.
• Nine months of fieldwork.
• Case studies involving five Syrian local organizations and their international partners.

Main Results:

• Trust is central to successful humanitarian partnerships.
• Donor requirements and monitoring/evaluation can create tension and risk for local organizations.
• Personalization of conflict by local organizations is a significant factor.

Conclusions:

• Successful partnerships require redefined capacity and trust-building.
• Addressing donor-driven tensions is crucial for local organization sustainability.
• Long-term sustainability strategies are informed by historical case studies.