Kjetil Selvik, CMI, Øystein Lyngroth, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Eva Svoboda, Overseas Development Institute (ODI).

As the conflict in Syria continues with little sign of abating, the humanitarian system has found itself stretched to the limit. Now more than ever, diaspora and local aid organisations are on frontlines of the aid response, providing material aid and protection.

With a keen local understanding of the conflict, the people and the area, diaspora and local aid organisations are uniquely qualified to know what is most needed, in which areas, and how to gain access to those in need. But why do they still struggle for recognition amongst the traditional humanitarian NGOs and donors?

This seminar will highlight research on how diaspora and local aid organisations are changing aid responses in Syria, and how different aid organisations can collaborate to best serve those continuing to live under fire in Syria's conflict zones.


Programme:

13:00–13:05: Introduction by Kjetil Selvik, senior researcher at CMI

13:05–13:15: Introductory remarks by Øystein Lyngroth, senior adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13:15–13:35: Presentation of ODI's new report on the humanitarian crisis in Syria by Eva Svoboda, Research Fellow at ODI's Humanitarian Policy Group

13:35–14:15: Q&A

The seminar is organized in cooperation with the Norwegian Centre for Humanitarian Studies.

 

Photo: Syrian refugees attend a Caritas mobile health clinic in Taalabaya, 20 kilometres from the Syrian border. Photo Credit: Trocaire / Flicker