Joint Statement: A Call for Humanitarian Transformation. NEAR and 25 representatives of civil society organisations and networks respond to the “humanitarian reset” proposed by the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator calling for deeper, systemic change that shifts power to local and national actors. (April 2025)
Joint Statement regarding the "Humanitarian Reset" and a Call for Transformative Change
The "humanitarian reset" proposed by United Nations OCHA's Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher brings a welcome and renewed focus on reform in the humanitarian system.
Yet, we believe the proposed reset, as it stands now, is too limited in scope and ambition, and it risks reinforcing the same power structures that have contributed to the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the humanitarian system today.
This is a moment for bold and principled transformation, more than just small fixes; a transformation that truly shifts power, resources, and decision-making to local and national actors who are closest to the communities we aim to support.
Along with 25 civil society representatives from across the Global South and North, NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response) calls for a transformation of the aid system that is shaped and led by those closest to the challenges, rather than imposed from above.
Read our joint statement here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5fc4fd249698b02c7f3acfe9/t/67f7f265671ca51b28ecfb6b/1744302693506/Joint+Civil+Society+Statement_Humanitarian+Reset.pdf