Power dynamics in disguise: Localisation | Associate Writer

Localisation, a concept repeated for the past decade, yet it seems to be one of the most challenging to achieve. Forgotten in times of crisis, and remembered when funding is scarce. The need to discuss localisation again and again reminds us of what we are willingly trying to overlook: the power imbalance in the humanitarian sector.

The current aid system doesn’t help local actors to develop their organizational capacity, leaving them always dependent on international actors. Even with the Grand Bargain guidance, the partnership with local actors is a dynamic that maintains power imbalances; however, it is disguised as localisation. The fund mostly goes through intermediaries, leaving local actors with small amounts of money, barely enough to implement projects, and surely not enough to support their organizational capacity and increase resources. A vicious cycle that requires a lot of awareness and disillusion. Maybe this is what makes this concept one of the hardest to achieve.

If we go back in history with Dunant, we remember that the vision was: local volunteers supporting affected people, in their turn receive international support to sustain their operations. Additionally, an international legal framework was created to protect civilians at times of conflict.

Somewhere in history, this vision was distorted. Now, when we think of humanitarian work, what often comes to mind are the names of big INGOs and the most prominent UN agencies, donors, and funding agencies. We barely know local actors and community mechanisms. Cluster meetings, advocacy efforts, determinants of funding priorities, and high-level decision-making are mostly led by international actors.

This topic is sensitive; many areas need to be explored in depth. Research, case studies, and other initiatives are needed to support the change. However, above all, the willingness here is central, especially with what is at stake in the power dynamics and questioning of perceptions and beliefs. Examining the current framework is also needed, especially since numbers and reports written and polished by international actors often overlook the power dynamics at play.