Momentum tragically appears to be in the opposite direction. States must ensure that they operationalise measures or mechanisms that work towards the implementation of these norms instead of leaving them as good intentions on paper. Accountability and protection are interlinked. States, non-state armed actors, and humanitarian actors are all to be held accountable. States, first and foremost, and, in armed conflicts, non-state armed actors have responsibilities to respect international law. Not only should other states press them on their obligations, but this is also a big part of humanitarian actors’ protection work, especially when states or internationally mandated protection actors fail to do so. Humanitarian actors should be held accountable for not fulfilling their protection mandate by the governance boards, donors, and civil society.

In the lead-up to our anniversary, join us as we look back on previous work, highlighting the lessons and recommendations that past pieces have brought up and exploring any outcomes, follow-up, or lack thereof. This message on protection is but one of many components of our retrospective; you can find the full series here.