Understanding the impact of ‘localisation’ on strengthening effective and efficient responses to humanitarian crises continues to be a key policy and practice concern for donors and the broader sector. Criticisms of a ‘broken’ humanitarian system dominated by international actors has led to commitments, such as those in the Grand Bargain, intended to bring transformational change. These include promises to address inequalities in the system, such as the inequitable recognition given to local actors despite their frontline role in humanitarian responses.

This report presents the findings of a review of the localisation literature commissioned by the evaluation department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. After assessing the existing evidence base on local humanitarian action, it makes the following recommendations for the Netherlands and other donors.

Priority strategic recommendations for donors
Work collectively with other donors to develop a common vision. Test different collective approaches to incentivise partners, particularly United Nations agencies, to change their practice.
Develop a risk-sharing agenda and harmonise due diligence, compliance and audit requirements across donors.
Support and invest in the development of?equitable, ethical and?quality partnerships between international and local actors?based on the principle of complementarity.
Increase the quality and quantity of funding going to local actors,?including through pooled funds.
Invest in coordinated and bottom-up capacity-sharing and capacity-strengthening efforts?based on the principle of complementarity.