Urban Violence

Urban Humanitarian intervention

Criminal gangs vs. armed elements of the state and other gangs

Dynamic

Desnse

Diverse

Increased deprivation vulnerability

Causes of Urban Violence

Limit mobility

Limit access to goods and services

Put additional strain on existing resources

Creates a vicious cycle of suffering and vulnerability

Strategy

1. Blurred boundaries, chronic needs/acute needs – clear their aims and objectives of intervention,
what kind of violence needs response
2. Cencentration of violence/ resources – localized approached
3. Fragmented and vulnerable communities – Act strategically to develop capacity
4. Humanitarian response itself may impact increase violence – Do no harm
5. Changing dynamics requires time – long term approach –
6. Urban aid may persist, but humanitarian aid cannot be delivered continuously – plan your exit
strategy from the beginning - exit points, and aid outcomes
7. Urban context are complex and changing – choose flexible and adaptable strategies
8. Urban planning technical and urban governance is needed – develop specialized skills

Partnerships and relationships

Include outreach in project strategy in order to increase access to services – information and services

Coordinate with other service providers in order to improve effectiveness and operational reach – other
orgs, and authorities

Consider area rather than sector coordination - local

Choose partners carefully – political agenda, local volunteers may difficult to find neutrality

Engage with armed actors carefully – very – very – carefully

Recognise complexities of urban violence

What problems are affecting the population

What exisiting institutions and services are there

How might related communities be affected

Remotely managed assessments may be necessary

Planned in advanced

Repeated

A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods

Security management

Different security risks required adaptive strategy – suicide bombings, snipers mobs, looting

Field decisions ensure current and relevant information is acted upon

Community awareness and involvement

All staff needs security management training

Sector Specific Lessons

No information published

Protection

Health

Shelter

Livelihoods

Humanitarian consequences can be as serious

Recognized the gravity

Establish criteria for engagement

Better understanding and engagement with causes and impacts

More practice is needed