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On 14 October 2025, Fight for Humanity, together with the Beyond Compliance Consortium  (BCC), the University of York , the Centre on Armed Groups , Utrecht University   and the Center for Civilians in Conflict  (CIVIC), hosted a peace panel at the Geneva Peace Week . The discussion, moderated by Anki Sjöberg from Fight for Humanity and joined by over 100 participants, looked at how using a harm + needs approach — one that reflects the real experiences of people and communities affected by conflict — can help shape  legal and extra-legal strategies to promote respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL), encourage restraint from violence and abuse, and ultimately strengthen the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Dr. Katharine Fortin from Utrecht University  presented the BCC’s research programme. She highlighted the importance of the BCC’s approach: starting with a socio-legal analysis of people’s everyday lived experiences in armed conflict — a harm + need analysis  — and then mapping the identified harms and needs onto international law. This approach, she explained, enables a more nuanced understanding of which specific legal and non-legal strategies are best suited to address those realities. Prof. Ioana Cismas from the University of York elaborated on the BCC’s core concepts  whilst drawing on fieldwork conducted in Myanmar and Northern Thailand with armed and governance actors, local community actors and international humanitarian and human rights groups. She noted: "The BCC concept of harm + need invites openness in terms of the material, personal, temporal and geographic scope. It allows us to see and make visible realities of conflict, actors, timeframes and structural dynamics that the law does not capture or fully regulate, but which are deeply important to those experiencing conflict.” Consortium researchers leading the work in Ukraine and Somalia shared early findings from interviews conducted in these countries with key actors, including armed and political actors, civil society organizations, and international agencies. Khrystyna Kozak, the CIVIC researcher leading the BCC work in Ukraine noted: “There was a broad consensus: harm is not just physical. It’s also psychological, economic, cultural, and ecological. People spoke of the invisible harm of occupation.”  On the question of what motivates restraint among armed actors, Kozak added: “ Restraint and compliance are not just about law—they’re about morality, identity, and belonging. In this case study, restraint doesn’t come from fear of punishment, but from the understanding that protecting civilians means protecting oneself .” Rahma Abikar, a fellow at the Centre on Armed Groups leading the BCC research in Somalia, highlighted the different perspectives on harm and need between senior members of armed groups and junior members, civil society, and local communities. Senior members often cited formal rules—such as military codes of conduct, UN standard operating procedures, and accountability mechanisms—as the main sources of restraint. In contrast, junior members and community actors emphasized that, in practice, restraint is more often driven by tactical considerations, clan loyalties, or public image. Abikar also emphasized that junior actors, community members, and civil society — as was the case for all interviewees in Ukraine — tend to have a more holistic understanding of harm and need. Their perspective goes beyond immediate physical harms, considers the longer-term impacts, and necessarily includes concerns about justice and structural change. The peace panel provided an important opportunity to showcase the diversity of findings emerging from the BCC research. It revealed that harm + need as well as compliance + restraint take on different meanings in different contexts. Ultimately, the discussion reinforced that compliance with IHL is essential in all contexts, and that in pursuing other legal strategies (compliance with IHRL) and extra-legal strategies (e.g., political, diplomatic, development) IHL is not left behind but rather reinforced. Finally, the panel noted that a harm + need approach does not necessarily mean ‘going broader’, but that the assessment of harm + need and prioritization of responses must be done with the affected stakeholders, if we are to truly address the complex and multifaceted realities of armed conflict. To view the video of the event you can click here. Fight for Humanity is part of the Beyond Compliance Consortium , a co-productive, socio-legal research partnership that traverses the fields of international law, conflict studies, humanitarian protection work and human rights policy, and brings together these communities of scholarship and practice with people with lived experience of conflict. Funded with UK International Development from the UK government, it is a three-year theoretical, empirical, and operational research programme “Building Evidence on Promoting Restraint by Armed Actors.”

Fight for Humanity is pleased to share its 2024 Annual Report. In 2024, together with a wide range of trusted partners, our organization implemented 13 projects across 6 situations of armed conflict and violence , marking a year of both growth and transition.   In 2024, amongst other things, Fight for Humanity:   Launched a reintegration and support programme in Northeast Syria for 200 children through vocational training and financial aid. It also trained security forces and local actors to prevent child recruitment and continue the implementation of the 2019 Action Plan.  Led research efforts in Colombia, Syria, and Yemen as part of the Beyond Compliance Consortium — a collaborative initiative led by York University with 9 partners across 9 countries — investigating which interventions most effectively encourage restraint and compliance among armed actors and contribute to a more protective environment for civilians affected by armed conflict.  Supported one of Colombia’s current peace processes by building the capacity of key negotiating actors on gender and environmental issues. Co-implemented with the Center on Armed Groups  a project to engage conflicting parties in safeguarding Sudan’s cultural heritage amid the ongoing conflict.  Looking ahead, in 2025  Fight for Humanity will continue to expand projects promoting the implementation of human rights in areas affected by conflict and fragility .  Fight for Humanity extends its heartfelt thanks to the members of its Committee, Advisory Council, and Associate Experts, whose guidance and commitment are vital to our work.   We are equally grateful to our donors, supporters, and partners, whose continued trust and contributions make our efforts possible.  Download the full report here Download the full financial statement here

In collaboration with the Kofi Annan Foundation , Permanent Peace Movement , the Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement ,  and the Directorate General of Antiquities of Lebanon , Fight for Humanity  is launching a restoration project at the Citadel of Tripoli —a symbol of shared heritage, resilience, and connection to the past. The project, called “Rooting for the Future” , will restore key parts of the citadel, notably its north tower and east façade , which require urgent conservation measures. The restoration will be led by experienced professionals, who will also train and involve 20 underprivileged young people from diverse backgrounds  in restoring sections of this historic landmark. These youth will gain valuable conservation skills , as well as life and employability skills , contributing to a new generation of cultural heritage workers with hands-on expertise. Beyond the restoration, 60 young people from diverse communities across Tripoli will participate in a series of community dialogues , using cultural heritage as a bridge for social cohesion  and a platform for increased collaboration across communities. By equipping young people with practical skills in conservation and fostering dialogue between diverse communities, "Rooting for the Future" aims to create a lasting impact beyond the restoration work. The project will not only preserve Lebanon’s cultural heritage but also open new employment opportunities  for youth in restoration. Moreover, it will help revitalize the Citadel of Tripoli as a space for social cohesion , transforming it into a living symbol of unity and dialogue . By engaging young people from different backgrounds in restoring a shared history, the project fosters exchange, collaboration, and social bonds , strengthening community ties.   Project supported by ALIPH with the financial participation of the Principality of Monaco

Fight for Humanity, in collaboration with the Centre on Armed Groups , contributed to the development of Practical Measures for Armed Actors to Prevent and Mitigate Conflict-Induced Food Insecurity . Both organizations conducted in-country consultations with non-state armed groups and other key stakeholders in Colombia, Mali, Myanmar, and Syria to support the development of these measures. Additionally, they produced educational materials to facilitate their implementation, including training modules , a flyer , and a video  that can be used freely by relevant organizations. The Practical Measures were developed by InterAction and a Steering Committee of food security and protection specialist organizations, and aims to provide armed actors with clear guidance on policies, operational planning, execution, and post-operation procedures to prevent, mitigate, and respond to food insecurity in conflict zones. Key areas addressed include the importance of assessing the potential impact of military operations and adjust them accordingly in the planning stage to protect food production and distribution sites, food transportation routes, agricultural land, and water resources. It also emphasizes the importance of avoiding strategies like blockades that could starve the population. Conflict-induced food insecurity affects millions worldwide, making it one of the most significant drivers of hunger. Armed conflict can lead to poverty, inflation, malnutrition and starvation, but it also frequently results in displacement, which leaves people vulnerable to hunger. Fight for Humanity is currently seeking partnerships to implement these measures in conflict-affected countries such as Colombia, Syria, and Mali, where food insecurity remains an urgent challenge. To read more about the Practical Measures, you can read this article

Fight for Humanity is delighted to share its 2023 Annual Report . In 2023, Fight for Humanity and its partners:   Undertook a participatory action research with three key armed and political movements or entities from northern and southern Yemen to understand the factors that can encourage them to promote the protection and participation rights of women and girls.   Conducted a campaign through events, online campaigns, and advocacy to raise awareness on the final report of the truth commission notably its chapters on the protection of women and children and its recommendations, in two municipalities of the Cauca department in Colombia. 
Took protection measures for more than 200 mosaics in a warehouse near Raqqa and documented more than 1000 artefacts in the Manbij area, in Syria.  
Conducted awareness-raising sessions for more than 500 members of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Internal Security Forces and the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria on the prohibition to recruit underage children 
Implemented activities to reinforce the peace process between the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN after the name in Spanish) on two topics, gender and environment.    In 2024, Fight for Humanity is continuing its operations in several countries affected by armed conflict and violence including Colombia, Syria and Yemen and has defined a new strategy for the coming four years. The organization will reinforce its work on child’s rights, women’s rights, cultural rights, social cohesion and expand on two more topics: the rights to a healthy environment and food security. It will also reinforce its presence in its country of operations and extend to other countries where it can bring an added value.   Fight for Humanity would like to thank the members of its Committee , Advisory Council and, Associate experts  who are a precious help and its donors, supporters and partners, who make its work possible.   Fight for Humanity 2023 Annual Report and Audit report can be downloaded below:

Fight for Humanity and Berghof Foundation, are pleased to release their research report “ Empowerment lies within: Opportunities and challenges for the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Framework by Political Movements in Yemen ”. This research has involved three key political movements or entities: the Islah Party, the Southern Transitional Council, and Ansar Allah to better understand the factors that encourage these movements to promote and implement the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Framework, especially the protection and participation of women and girls in situations of conflict.    From April to December 2023, local researchers and Fight for Humanity conducted almost 50 interviews with leaders and members of the three political movements in Yemen, civil society organizations and activists. “Despite generally low levels of women’s participation in leadership in Yemen, the research revealed that women are active participants in the political, economic, and security processes of the three movements surveyed” said Anki Sjöberg from Fight for Humanity. The research also found that efforts to promote the participation and protection of Yemeni women and girls were most effective when they were integrated into a local context and deeply internalized by both men and women in the movements . Challenges were identified such as the lack of regulations and bylaws on the protection of women in times of conflict and a list a of recommendations has been drawn for each movement. The research also led to a policy brief  that provides specific recommendations for how international actors operating in and on Yemen can enhance support for WPS policies and practices through engagement with political movements . A short video  analyzing the opportunities and challenges for the implementation of the WPS framework by political movements in Yemen has also been created.  The research report can be read below by chapter:                 English version Arabic version Introduction                                                           Research findings (Islah Party) Research findings (STC) Research findings (Ansar Allah) Conclusions Introduction                                      Research findings (Islah Party) Research findings (STC) Research findings (Ansar Allah) Conclusions

Fight for Humanity is starting a new phase of its project "Gesture of Peace" aiming to strengthen the capacity for dialogue, participation, coexistence and reconciliation of the key actors in three municipalities affected by armed conflict in the Cauca department in Colombia. This project follows a first pilot phase implemented in 2023 jointly with its partner Gestos de Paz that raised awareness and built ownership of the recommendations from the Truth Commission Final Report in two municipalities, Cajibío and Popayán in the Cauca department. This second phase , supported by the City of Geneva, will involve key local, social, economic and political actors to design, identify and promote peace agendas and three local initiatives for coexistence, peace and reconciliation. Fight for Humanity and Gestos de Paz will continue to raise awareness, disseminate and inform the population about the report’s recommendations and the project’s actions.     In addition to this project and since June 2023, Fight for Humanity, in partnership with Berghof Foundation , has also conducted activities to support the peace process between the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) on two topics:  environment and women’s participation in the peace process .

Fight for Humanity is pleased to announce that it is part of a consortium to research ways to prevent civilian suffering in armed conflicts. The " Beyond Compliance Consortium ", is comprised of academics and practitioners led by the University of York and has been awarded up to £5 million to research ways to prevent and reduce civilian suffering in armed conflicts around the world. It is a co-productive partnership between the University of York , the University of Glasgow, Utrecht University, and six humanitarian NGOs, Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, War Child UK, Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre, Center for Civilians in Conflict, Centre on Armed Groups and Fight for Humanity. The research is focused on civilians' experience of conflict and the relationship between humanitarian need and civilian harm, and armed actors’ compliance with norms and restraint from violence. Developed over three years (a theoretical, empirical, and operational research programme " Building Evidence on Promoting Restraint by Armed Actors ."), it will provide strategic understanding of what factors, processes and influences shape a wide range of armed actors’ behaviour. The goal is to develop tangible and positive ways to influence these behaviours so as to ensure better outcomes for civilian populations . During conflict, civilians fall victim to all sorts of weapon use, displacement, food insecurity and violations of Human Rights. The Beyond Compliance Consortium's programme will shed light on how States and non-state armed groups operate. Understanding this can be a valuable tool for policy-makers, operational actors, and civilian communities that they can employ in their efforts to mitigate conflict-induced civilian harm .

Since May 2023, Fight for Humanity, with the support of the ALIPH Foundation and in partnership with its local partner, Orient Association, has been working to protect 200 valuable mosaic panels in Raqqa and to document thousands of artefacts in Manbij with the objective to promote this invaluable heritage for peace and reconciliation.   The team started with the securitization of a warehouse that hosts around 200 mosaic panels near Raqqa. Before the war, this warehouse used to host thousands of artefacts, that were all stolen with the exception of these 200 mosaic panels, some of which were vandalized . After these emergency measures the team took conservation measures: they were identified and placed in 5 allocated areas and were then distributed based on their place of discovery. Once the sorting and extraction were complete, the panels were photographed, and the scenes depicted were studied and described. Data specific to each panel, including measurements, the overall condition, were also recorded. In addition, the team documented more than 800 artefacts from Menbij since last August. Some of the artefacts were confiscated and secured by the SDF and some others were found by people coincidentally and then handed over to the administration. These documentations provide a better understanding and the preservation of the cultural and historical significance they hold. Moreover, the Orient Association conducted 10 dissemination sessions for the security forces, that focused on strategies to combat illicit trafficking and protection of cultural heritage. In the recent week, as part of our commitment to the project's continued success, Fight for Humanity retained an external consultant to evaluate the progress achieved over the last three years. The monitoring visit was concluded in October.

On 31 October, Fi ght for Humanity intervened on a panel on “Engaging Armed Groups on Environmental Protection and Climate Change” during the Geneva Peace Week .  A group of experts, including Anastasia Isyuk, Operations Manager for Climate and Environment at the International Committee of the Red Cross; Anki Sjöberg, Co-Director at Fight For Humanity; Leigh Mayhew, Research Officer at ODI and Pascal Bongard, Co-Director at the Centre on Armed Groups explored ways for involving armed groups in tackling climate change and environmental issues. Non-state armed groups, with their significant influence and presence in conflict zones, can disrupt environmental sustainability with the use of certain weapons, destruction of natural sites and exacerbate climate change impacts.   On the other hand they can also have a protective role to play . Due to their (political and economic) isolation, they tend to be aware of the limited and finite resources at their disposal. Hence, some groups have taken it upon themselves to develop their own protective measures. For example, setting up specific institutions to deal with environmental issues and regulating finite resources such as fish, game, water, forest, etc.   As Anki Sjöberg mentioned : “ understanding the role that NSAGs are already playing in environmental protection, for better or worse, can help us foresee and mitigate additional or increased environmental deterioration after the end of conflict. We must understand that NSAGs can have simultaneous negative and positive impacts on the environment, as seen with the FARC in Colombia. Failure to do so may cost us—and the environment—dearly in the future.”    The event was organized by the Center on Armed groups and featured speakers from the International Committee of the Red Cross, ODI, and the Center on Armed groups.

Fight for Humanity jointly with the Berghof Foundation have initiated a new project phase in Myanmar, Yemen and at a global level, in their efforts to support the protection of women during conflict and increase their participation in peacebuilding efforts in areas under the control of armed movements. This phase follows a first pilot project in Myanmar . With this new phase, the organizations facilitated dialogues with two ethnic resistance organizations (EROs) in Myanmar on their policies and practices related to the protection of women in the conflict and their participation in peacebuilding , following-up on recommendations from the previous project cycle. Participants of these dialogue sessions are women and men who are part of or live in areas influenced by the two EROs. In Yemen, a country hardly hit by armed conflict, participatory action research with three armed and political movements from northern and southern Yemen is currently undertaken to understand the factors that can encourage them to promote the protection and participation rights of women and girls. “The participation of women in peacebuilding is essential to build a lasting peace, as emerging research shows. But to be able to participate in this process, they need to be better protected during the conflict” says Anki Sjoeberg, Fight for Humanity’s Co-Director. In September, the two organizations also conducted a Global Workshop on Women Peace and Security with key stakeholders and representatives of Governments to discuss how to better enable the international policy community to support the implementation of the Women Peace and Security Agenda in conflict affected areas where armed and political movements hold large territories or political power.

In May 2023, Fight for Humanity and its partner Gestos de Paz started a project to raise awareness and build ownership of the recommendations from the Truth Commission report  in two municipalities of the Cauca department in Colombia, Cajibio and Popayan that have been severely affected by the conflict. In the two municipalities, Gestos de Paz organized two events in July and August gathering more than 212 participants including politicians, leaders from social movements, indigenous peoples, women, youth, medias, ex-combatants. These events, called “Dialogues for the ownership of truth and the construction of peace,” focused on four chapters of the Truth Commission report:  The historical narrative of the conflict, women’s rights, children rights, and the recommendations to avoid repetition of violence. “Many people, out of fear, do not tell the truth, said one participant but as another participant declared: “truth is essential to not repeat history.” In many rural areas affected by conflict, the Truth Commission and its final report remain unknown. According to Mabel Andrade from Gestos de Paz, “Despite the signature of the Peace Agreement in 2016, armed violence is still ongoing in many parts of the country, including here in Cauca. We need to keep working to raise awareness on the realities of the conflict to avoid repetition.” In addition to these dialogues, a meeting with the candidates for the position of regional Governor took place in September in which they were asked to explain their views on how to better implement the recommendations of the Truth Commission. “It is important that politicians commit to these recommendations, we cannot lose another generation to a new cycle of violence” says a leader from the municipality of Cajibio. The Truth Commission is one of the three institutions that make up the Colombian Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition created under the 2016 peace agreement. It has worked to shed light on five decades of atrocities and human rights violations committed during the country’s armed conflict and through its report, it promotes recommendations to avoid repetition of the conflict.