IASC Discussion Paper: Exploring the linkages between AAP, Localisation and the HDP Nexus

Against the backdrop of growth in the frequency, complexity and scale of humanitarian crises, declining funding, and questions of efficiency and effectiveness, it is becoming increasingly clear that fundamental change is required to reform the humanitarian system . Within this, the approaches of accountability to affected populations (AAP), localisation and the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus are all drivers towards a humanitarian system which can be held to account by the people it serves, in which key decisions are made at the grassroots level enabling local actors to work develop their own programmes in feasible, collaborative and holistic ways to tackle the root causes of crises. As the sector prepares for the transition to a new Emergency Relief Coordinator later in 2024, this discussion paper aims to contribute to ongoing debates on humanitarian reform and outline how the linkages between these three workstreams could be better leveraged to deliver meaningful, sustainable changes to the humanitarian architecture. The paper is based on reflections on lessons learned and future priorities from the Co-Chairs of the IASC Taskforces on AAP (TF2), localisation (TF5) and the HDP nexus (TF4) and has been peer reviewed by a number of key stakeholders in the sector.