Humanitarian diplomacy is gaining renewed prominence within the European Union (EU) and among its Member States, with new policy initiatives and strategies aimed at strengthening the protection of civilians and promoting compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). However, this momentum risks remaining largely rhetorical unless it is fundamentally reoriented toward tangible protection outcomes, meaningful engagement with conflict-affected communities, and accountability for violations.

Today’s conflicts - characterised by rising geopolitical tensions, weakened multilateralism, and persistent impunity - underscore the urgent need to rethink humanitarian diplomacy. Across contexts such as Sudan, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, and Ukraine, civilians continue to face grave violations of IHL with limited consequences for perpetrators. This has eroded trust in international tools and mechanisms, while at the EU level it has raised serious questions about the credibility and consistency of its action and that of its Member States. 

This briefing argues that humanitarian diplomacy must be re-imagined as community-driven and justice-oriented. Rather than focusing primarily on access negotiations or diplomatic processes, it should prioritise the rights, safety and dignity of people affected by conflict and guarantee their protection. This requires a shift from top-down, state-centric approaches to models that recognise and empower local actors as central agents of diplomacy. Community leaders, civil society organisations, and local networks already play a critical role in negotiating access, mediating tensions, and protecting civilians - often with greater legitimacy and effectiveness than international actors. 

The report concludes with key recommendations to the EU and EU Member States.

Report by Oxfam