The Humanitarian Exchange and Research Centre works to close the gap between policy and humanitarian practice.

About Us

Founded in Geneva in 2014, the Humanitarian Exchange and Research Centre (HERE) works to close the gap between policy and humanitarian practice. We endeavour to understand and promote the steps that need to be taken in order to uphold the rights of crisis-affected people.

2022 Annual report

We are proud to share our 2022 Annual Report with you! The purpose of this report is not only to showcase what we achieved last year, but also to reflect on our work. Much of our work in 2022 explored the balance between the individual and the collective.
Read the annual report

SPOTLIGHT

Reviewing a Decade of HERE

As HERE marks its 10th anniversary, we are taking stock of our journey, impact, and path ahead. Humentum is conducting a light external review of our work, helping to shape how HERE continues to serve as a trusted voice in humanitarian analysis and policy reflection.
Read the 10 Year Review

Lost in Sudanisation?

This report addresses how international NGOs have navigated Sudan’s unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Based on interviews and document analysis, the report argues that effective response hinges not on uniformity, but on leveraging each actor’s unique strengths to achieve complementarity.
Read the final report

IAHE of the Response to the Crisis in Northern Ethiopia

Following the activation of the system-wide Scale-Up Protocols, OCHA, on behalf of the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Evaluation Steering Group, contracted HERE to undertake the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Evaluation (IAHE) of the collective response to the crisis in Northern Ethiopia. This response amounted to system failure.
Read the final report

UNICEF L3 response in Yemen I Final Report

This evaluation provides a comprehensive assessment of UNICEF’s programmatic and operational response in Yemen between 2019 and 2022 against its own mandate, corporate commitments, stated objectives and standard evaluation criteria. It also captures lessons learned and good practices to inform UNICEF’s work across future L3 emergencies.
Read the final report

Taking the Next Step

In November 2024, HERE hosted a Roundtable Discussion to mark our 10-year anniversary! Through discussions under the Chatham House Rule, key priorities were identified for the humanitarian sector; each important on their own and all deeply interconnected. Below we have gathered takeaways for potential paths forward.
Key takeaways

We've been HERE for 10 years

HERE-Geneva turned ten in November 2024. From the start, HERE has focused on the discrepancy between policy and practice. To celebrate our anniversary, we looked back on previous work, highlighting the lessons and recommendations that emerged from past pieces and exploring any outcomes, follow-up, or lack thereof.
Access the retrospective

ongoing work

Principled humanitarian response in Ukraine

This research examines how aid groups uphold humanitarian principles in Ukraine amid political pressures. It identifies risks from compromises and offers solutions to strengthen principled action.
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Real time evaluation of the risk-sharing framework pilot

HERE is conducting a real-time evaluation (RTE) of the Risk-Sharing Framework Pilot, implemented between Sida and the ICRC. The pilot seeks to operationalise shared risk management in humanitarian action, aiming for more collaborative, transparent, and adaptable partnerships.
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Reviewing the Future of Switzerland's Humanitarian Aid

Switzerland’s humanitarian aid faces new challenges amid geopolitical shifts, climate change, and economic uncertainties. This project assesses Switzerland’s strengths, gaps, and strategic opportunities.
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HERE Publications

We carry out applied, mixed-methods research and analysis, engage in dialogue with operational humanitarian actors, and feed the humanitarian community with independent reports, policy papers, and studies. Browse through our library!

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