Working with Civil Society and Communities

Evidence shows that many of today’s conflicts are the result of failed states and repressive or dysfunctional systems of governance, and that when good governance is supported by a functioning civil society and the rule of law, peace can be maintained and development can flourish.

The International Rescue Committee works with populations under extreme stress, often governed by elites through authoritarian, military or rebel systems, or who have fled their homes and have little to no voice in decisions affecting their lives, whether as refugees in foreign countries or displaced people within their own borders.

We work from the onset of conflict to stabilisation and beyond to assist communities in creating basic structures that can respond to the population’s needs. We aim to advance the principles of partnership, participation, social cohesion and capacity building through working at a community level.

Supporting Local Organisations

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where violent conflict continues, the IRC incorporates long-term developmental approaches in an emergency and relief setting, focusing on priority areas of health, food security and livelihoods.

We build the capacity of local organisations and groups to provide for their own humanitarian needs, providing financial, operational and project management training and support, ensuring not only that basic services are met by local populations but that foundations for a sustainable civil society are laid.

Community Development

In Georgia and Azerbaijan, the IRC helped establish community development councils in refugee and internally-displaced persons (IDP) settlements and provided training and funds.

The councils in turn survey community needs, develop programme strategies and budgets and oversee implementation of projects that involve and employ community members, linking up with other service providers and donors as needed to support their development initiatives.