Geneva Call

29/04/2026

Geneva Call Director General Alain Délétroz met with senior officials in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday, including Simon Mordue, Chief Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as Gilles Bertrand, European Union Special Envoy for Afghanistan, and Ambassador Luke Feeney, Representative of Ireland to the Political and Security Committee of the European Union.

We thank Simon Mordue for the opportunity to present Geneva Call’s work and exchange views on some of today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Our discussion focused particularly on Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, where promoting respect for humanitarian norms and principles by armed groups and de facto authorities remains essential in contexts marked by conflict, displacement and large-scale humanitarian needs. We also highlighted Geneva Call’s ongoing work in Syria, currently supported by the European Commission’s Foreign Policy Instruments ( ), to strengthen the protection of civilians and advance compliance with international humanitarian law.

Constructive dialogue with EU institutions is critical to ensuring that humanitarian concerns remain central to political decision-making.

Thank you also to Peter M. Wagner for supporting this important engagement.

We are also grateful to EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Mr Bertrand, for the forward-looking discussions on ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians in Afghanistan, including Geneva Call’s work with tribal leaders in dispute resolution and social cohesion in the context of increasing refugee returns and economic pressures on communities. We value the opportunity to continue dialogue with EU counterparts in support of our shared commitment to these objectives.

23/04/2026

“Africa facing the challenges of stability, integration and sovereignty: what are the sustainable solutions?” — this year’s theme of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa set the tone for two days of dialogue and reflection on the future of the continent.

Held on 20–21 April, the forum brought together a wide range of actors committed to addressing the complex and evolving challenges across Africa. Geneva Call was represented by its Director for the Sahel countries, Moussa Ag Waerzaren, bringing perspectives grounded in field engagement.

In the Sahelian context, where instability, humanitarian needs, and protection concerns intersect, Geneva Call’s mission to protect civilians and promote international humanitarian norms lies at the heart of the quest for sustainable solutions. Lasting stability cannot be the result of isolated efforts; it requires coordinated collective action and direct engagement with all stakeholders to build, together, a protective environment for the population.

In his opening address, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, drew attention to the human realities behind the figures: “When we look at the security issues in Africa with their high death tolls, I am also thinking of that child in the Sahel who could not go to school this year because the roads were cut off. I am thinking of that woman in the Lake Chad basin who lost everything in a raid by armed groups. I am also thinking of that young person in the Horn of Africa who could not find a job and was recruited by a criminal network, for lack of other prospects. These are not statistics, they are realities. But Africa is not condemned to this reality. There is another path — one built on resilience, solidarity, and the collective will to act.”

Through humanitarian dialogue and its work in the field, Geneva Call strives to help transform these realities.

Thank you to the organisers and partners for fostering these important exchanges and perspectives on pathways toward a more peaceful and sovereign Africa.

17/04/2026

The 3rd Ministerial Humanitarian Conference on Sudan took place in Berlin on Wednesday, marking three years since the outbreak of one of the world’s most severe - and too often overlooked - humanitarian crises.

Against the backdrop of escalating needs, the conference sought to mobilize urgent international support and ensure that Sudan remains high on the global agenda.

After three years of devastating conflict, the situation continues to deteriorate. Over 30 million people now require assistance, with catastrophic food insecurity, widespread displacement, and restricted humanitarian access compounding civilian suffering. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, ceasefires have repeatedly failed, and peace negotiations remain stalled.

In this context, Director General Alain Délétroz, emphasized that dialogue with all parties to the conflict is not optional, but essential. Through engagement with armed groups - including the training of over 800 commanders, Geneva Call has been able to achieve concrete outcomes. One of the most recent included managing security guarantees to facilitate an aid convoy to reach more than 130,000 people in South Kordofan. “Dialogue - however difficult - is one of the few tools available to reduce harm in real time,” said Mr Délétroz. “It must be protected, enabled and supported. It is only when engagement is principled and sustained that protection becomes possible.”

Protection of civilians should not be treated as a standalone agenda item; it must be systematically raised in all bilateral discussions with conflict parties and their backers, with measurable benchmarks and follow-up.

Geneva Call has been engaged in Sudan for over a decade, working with armed actors and communities to promote respect for humanitarian norms and strengthen civilian protection.

02/04/2026

Wishing a joyful and blessed Easter to those who celebrate.

This season reminds us of the importance of compassion, peace, and the protection of human dignity - even in the most challenging circumstances.

May this time of renewal inspire hope, resilience, and a continued commitment to humanitarian principles, as we work together to protect civilians affected by armed conflicts.

27/03/2026

Today in Brussels, Geneva Call’s Director of Operations, Atif Hameed, met with Cosmin Dobran, Director for Peace, Partnerships and Crisis Management at the European External Action Service.

We would like to thank Mr Dobran for the constructive exchange on Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, where the lives of millions of civilians continue to be affected by the actions of armed groups. Geneva Call’s long-standing presence in the region has allowed the organisation to develop a deep understanding not only of the dynamics, but also of the various forces and actors influencing these complex contexts. The organisation values the opportunity to engage in continued dialogue on areas of collaboration with European initiatives, with the shared aim of enhancing the protection of civilians.

27/03/2026

A new Memorandum of Understanding marks a milestone in efforts to enhance the protection of civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Resulting from sustained humanitarian dialogue between Geneva Call and the AFC (Alliance Fleuve Congo) / M23 (March 23 Movement), it underscores a commitment to reducing harm to civilian populations and reinforcing respect for humanitarian norms.

In a region marked by decades of conflict, protecting civilians remains an urgent priority.

🔗 Read more: bit.ly/4daaLfv

20/03/2026

Geneva Call wishes a joyful Eid Mubarak to all those who celebrate.

May this Eid inspire renewed commitment to compassion, dialogue, and peace.

12/03/2026

What does resetting humanitarian access mean in practical terms?

This question framed a discussion during Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week ( ) on Tuesday, focused on access in areas controlled by armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDAs). The discussion comes as the sector reflects on the “Humanitarian Reset” - its priorities, efficiencies, increased localization, and stronger coordination. The scale of the challenge is clear: over 200 million people now live in areas controlled or contested by AGDAs, 30 million more than in 2021.

Speakers, including Geneva Call’s Country Directors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan, Roch Souabedet and Arz Alam, shared field insights on how political obstruction, insecurity, and shifting frontlines continue to restrict humanitarian access. In many settings, access is blocked not only by conflict but also by administrative and political barriers imposed by AGDAs. The fragmented nature of armed groups often requires engagement at multiple levels - from local commanders to higher leadership - demanding nuanced strategies and a strong understanding of local dynamics. Humanitarian actors must maintain dialogue with armed actors to gain access and ensure safety, while avoiding legitimization of these groups.

NNGO Forum speaker Dr De-Joseph Kakisingi highlighted the role and challenges of local actors, often on the frontlines of response and risk. Local organizations and community leaders have critical knowledge of needs and social dynamics, making them indispensable partners. Strengthening their protection and capacities, while reinforcing coordination and information-sharing across the humanitarian system remains essential.

If the humanitarian system is to truly “reset,” the discussion suggested it must begin with a renewed commitment to core humanitarian principles, including neutrality, impartiality, and independence. It also requires stronger coordination among international, national, and local actors, and deeper engagement with communities and civilians themselves, as underlined by Nonviolent Peaceforce representative Douce Namwezi N'Ibamba, recognizing them as active participants in shaping responses that meet their needs and strengthen protection strategies.

The conversation underscored that restoring humanitarian access in AGDA-controlled areas requires principled engagement, long-term dialogue, patience, and close collaboration among all actors. Success often depends on engaging both armed actors and communities - building trust, understanding local dynamics, and fostering relationships that allow safe, predictable access. Even in complex settings, these strategies remain critical for enabling assistance to reach vulnerable populations while minimizing risks to staff and communities.

Thank you to co-organizers Nonviolent Peaceforce, the NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council, the ICVA Network and to the participants for sharing their insights.

10/03/2026

⏰ Reminder: Join us this afternoon at

What practical pathways exist for resetting humanitarian access in areas controlled by armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDAs)?

This afternoon, join speakers from Geneva Call in a discussion bringing together practitioners to share field-based insights and experiences on negotiating and sustaining humanitarian access in complex conflict settings.

🗓 Today – 10 March 2026
🕑 14:00–15:30 (UTC+1)
📍 CICG – Room 14, Geneva
💻 In person and online participation available

If you’re at HNPW, we’d be glad to see you there.

👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/esSwPtZ2

What practical pathways exist for resetting humanitarian access in areas controlled by armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDAs) based on field realities from Africa?

Join us for a discussion organized by Geneva Call, Nonviolent Peaceforce, and the NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council under the ICVA Network, exploring practical approaches to negotiating and sustaining access in complex conflict settings.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing “Humanitarian Reset” - which seeks to refocus the system on essential functions and locally driven models - this session will bring together practitioners to share field-based insights and experiences.

📅 10 March 2026
🕑 14:00–15:30 (UTC+1)
📍 CICG – Room 14, Geneva
💻 In person and online participation available

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4sqAeFH

06/03/2026

Director General Alain Délétroz and members of Geneva Call’s team were in Brussels this week, where they held discussions with senior representatives of the European External Action Service - EEAS on today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical and humanitarian landscape.

We were honoured to meet with:

• Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs, EEAS
• Peter Wagner, Director / Head of Service, Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)
• Johan Borgstam, EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes region
• Kajsa Ollongren, EU Special Representative for Human Rights (met earlier in Geneva)

Our exchanges covered a wide range of regional dynamics - from Iran and its impact on neighbouring countries, to Ukraine, Afghanistan, and the Sahel, including Mali.

Across these contexts, the importance of engaging armed actors to prevent violations, protect civilians, and promote respect for humanitarian norms remains critical. Geneva Call shared insights from its operational work in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

We are grateful for the continued political and funding support of the European External Action Service and the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments for Geneva Call’s mission, as well as for the constructive dialogue on how humanitarian engagement can complement broader foreign policy efforts aimed at stability, protection, and conflict prevention.

The Geneva Call delegation also met with Ambassador Rita Adam, Head of the Mission of Switzerland to the European Union, Michael Karnitschnig, Acting Director-General, DG MENA, and Olivier Vandecasteele, Founder and Director of Protect Humanitarians

These discussions highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between humanitarian actors, governments, and policy institutions to strengthen the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel operating in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

At a time when humanitarian access and the safety of aid workers are increasingly under pressure, collective efforts and innovative partnerships are more important than ever.

Thank you for your engagement and support for Geneva Call’s mission. We look forward to building further cooperation in the months ahead.

06/03/2026

This week in Brussels, a Geneva Call delegation led by Director General Alain Délétroz held valuable exchanges with members of the European Parliament and the Security and Defence Committee (SEDE) on the role humanitarian engagement with armed actors can play in today’s complex security environments.

During these meetings, Alain Délétroz met with:

• Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the Security and Defence Committee
• Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield
• Hannah Neumann, Chair of the Delegation for relations with Iran

These meetings confirmed a high level of interest among SEDE members in Geneva Call’s operational experience with armed actors, particularly in the Middle East.

At a time when security dynamics are increasingly intertwined with humanitarian challenges, Geneva Call’s field-based engagement contributes to facilitating the protection of civilians and strengthening compliance with international humanitarian norms among armed actors.

We look forward to continuing this dialogue on how operational humanitarian expertise can complement European security and defence policy efforts.