Nerve V. Macaspac

In May, Creating Safer Space Research Network co-organized a side event on “Civilian-Centred Approaches and POC in a Changing World: Moving from Policy to Practice” for the United Nations’ Protection of Civilians week 2025 in New York.

Creating Safer Space Co-Investigator Dr Nerve Macaspac joined speakers from the Permanent Mission to the UN of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Nonviolent Peaceforce, PAX, and CIVIC. Synthesising the discussion, and drawing on findings from the CSS projects, he noted that while “protection of civilians” is a frequent topic in global forums, those most directly engaged in self-protection are often excluded from the conversation.

He highlighted the consistent thread across diverse contexts: civilians are already leading protection work within their communities, using creative and effective strategies grounded in trust, legitimacy and local knowledge. He therefore urged a reconceptualization of what counts as “protection work”, recognizing its multifaceted nature and the value of flexibility, community-specific tools, and ongoing engagement with CSOs. His concluding point was clear: community-led POC is not a complement to existing frameworks; it should be the standard, precisely because it works, and because it is already happening.

For a full summary of the session, see this final report.