Annual Report 2020 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL © Geneva Call

Annual report 2020 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL © Geneva Call

Foreword

It is with some amount of pride that I pres- In 2020, sexual violence has increased in plan. The needs on the ground are immense ent this annual report to Geneva Call’s almost all zones of conflict. Geneva Call and we are still far from covering all the friends and partners, as 2020 has been a has kept this thematic at the forefront of conflict areas where Geneva Call’s action very challenging, yet fruitful year for our our engagement priorities in all contexts. could make a real difference. The tangible Foundation. As the pandemic overwhelmed An in-depth evaluation of our “Deed of achievements and impact realised despite the world, Geneva Call still managed to Commitment on the prohibition of sexual the challenges throughout 2020 have only receive an Armed Non-State Actor (ANSA) violence in armed conflict and towards the been possible thanks to the support of our in Geneva for the signature of a Deed of elimination of gender discrimination” has donors. Importantly for an organization Commitment at the end of February and to shown that our field staff address this issue like Geneva Call, the receipt of unrestrict- hold our “Garance Talks” with four ANSAs in a wide and holistic way that incorporates ed contributions provides flexibility and in our headquarters, a few days before the all pillars of the “Women, Peace and Secu- sustainability for operations. beginning of the national lockdown. rity Agenda” under UNSC resolution 1325. Geneva Call is clearly leading the way in Three governments have allocated to Ge- Despite all the travel restrictions, our col- promoting this agenda systematically in neva Call unrestricted funds that have leagues in the field have managed to keep areas controlled by ANSAs. allowed us to strengthen internal processes in touch with all the ANSAs with whom we and control systems to ensure the optimal engage around the world and to achieve During the pandemic, Geneva Call decided use of resources. My special thanks goes major impact, as shown in this report, in to suspend new signatures of Deeds of to these three donors, as core functional particular on health and child protection is- Commitment with ANSAs, as these require expertise at the heart of the organization sues. In Iraq, Yemen, the DRC, Afghanistan, monitoring obligations that are difficult to is essential to ensure the sustainability the Philippines, South Sudan and Myanmar, comply with under the present world-wide of our operations and the delivery of real Geneva Call has gained new ground and has travel restrictions. Instead, 14 ANSAs have impact for the vulnerable communities we engaged hard-to-reach ANSAs. signed a “unilateral declaration” of respect serve. With my thanks to all our donors, let for basic humanitarian rules. Several of me launch a special appeal for unrestricted Paradoxically, the challenges caused by these will be invited to sign the formal donations, for sustained funding for oper- the pandemic have rendered some of the Deed of Commitment in Geneva when travel ations that we have already invested in, so hardest to engage field commanders more restrictions permit. that, together, we can address Geneva Call’s inclined to listen to humanitarian messages mission and expand to new areas of needs. and abide by at least some of their obliga- I would like to thank all donors that have tions under International Humanitarian allowed us to carry out our mission in 2020 Alain Délétroz

genevacall.org Cover: © Geneva Call Law: a good first step in a long journey. in accordance with our 2020-2023 strategic Director General GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 4 5 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Countries of operations 2020 Geneva Call’s Mission

Vision Geneva Call works in situations of armed Geneva Call engages ANSAs on specific conflict or armed violence where there thematic IHL and IHRL-related areas such During situations of armed conflict, human- are one or more armed non- State actors as the ban on anti-personnel mines and itarian norms and principles are respected, (ANSAs) fighting government armed forces cooperation in mine action, the protection and civilians are protected. or other ANSAs, whose practices may have of children from the effects of armed con- a direct negative impact on the protection flict, the prohibition of sexual violence in Mission of civilians. During conflict, fighters must situations of armed conflict and towards comply with humanitarian norms enshrined the elimination of gender discrimination. In situations of armed conflict, Geneva Call, in international humanitarian law (IHL) and Furthermore, it has recently developed its as a neutral, impartial and independent in relevant international human rights law thematic humanitarian engagement efforts international humanitarian organization, (IHRL) sources. Geneva Call engages with on the protection of cultural heritage in endeavours to strengthen the respect of ANSAs to encourage them to comply with armed conflict, the protection of health humanitarian norms by armed non-State these norms. care, the prohibition of forced displacement actors, in order to improve the protection and is currently working on developing of civilians. Since Geneva Call began its work over a thematic linked to famine prevention. 20 years ago, it has developed a unique Ukraine Values methodology to increase awareness of, 66 ANSAs have signed an innovative instru- Afghanistan and respect for IHL and IHRL by ANSAs. In ment known as the Deed of Commitment • Humanity fact, Geneva Call is the only organization in (Deed). The Deed is a mechanism developed Syria Neutrality the world focused exclusively on creating by Geneva Call to enable ANSAs to pledge Iraq Myanmar • Pakistan • Impartiality lasting behaviour change among ANSAs to respect IHL and relevant norms of IHRL Libya • Independence and is widely recognized as such. It has and to be held publicly accountable for • Accountability managed to engage 169 key ANSAs in 26 their commitments. Thailand Mali Yemen • Dedication countries, many of which have taken active The Philippines • Respect steps and made formal commitments to Geneva Call subscribes to the humanitarian South Sudan respect specific humanitarian norms. principles of neutrality, impartiality and Colombia independence, and ensures transparency

Democratic Republic by informing stakeholders, including the of the Congo States concerned, of its engagement efforts with ANSAs.

Table of Contents Progress towards strategy

Progress towards strategy 2020-2023 7 2020-2023

Thematic area 10 International Humanitarian Norms and Principles 10 Protection of health care in armed conflict 11 During 2020, Geneva Call has strived to Yemen, etc., took concrete engagements to In addition, important efforts were made Displacement 12 respond to the evolution of conflict pat- better respect International Humanitarian and work accomplished to engage new Cultural heritage 13 terns, requiring an increase of the organi- Law (IHL) by signing Unilateral Declarations ANSAs, including “hard-to-reach” ones in Gender 14 zation’s capacities and expertise to ensure or other commitments and by making con- different contexts, notably in Afghanistan, Landmines and explosive weapons 15 a stronger and deeper impact on civilian crete behaviour changes to protect the Iraq, Yemen and Myanmar. These efforts Child protection and education 16 populations affected by armed conflict. civilian population. An important achieve- complemented the overall strategy of the The new strategy of the organization sets ment in several countries, such as Iraq, organization by facilitating improved, safer Africa 18 out interlinked pathways to dialogue and Yemen, DRC etc. was the facilitation of and more sustainable humanitarian access. Africa: regional approach 19 the protection of civilians during armed humanitarian access for the organizations Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 20 conflict, through the increased respect for and actors providing direct support to the Throughout the year, Geneva Call continued Libya 21 humanitarian norms by armed non-state people in need, in the areas controlled by to strengthen its work through research Mali 22 actors (ANSAs). Having significantly devel- armed groups. and dissemination of good practices. South Sudan 23 oped and expanded its expertise during The organization continued to collect the past years, Geneva Call has articulated Building on previous experiences and les- and analyse data on ANSAs’ practice and Asia and Europe 24 its new strategy around two overriding sons learnt, specific efforts were focused on interpretation of IHL as part of a unique Asia and Europe: regional approach 25 objectives which guide all of Geneva Call’s effective monitoring of the commitments research project conducted in collaboration Afghanistan 26 activities and therefore continue to position taken by ANSAs, signatories of the Deeds with the Geneva Academy of International Myanmar 27 the organization as a crucial and conflict of Commitment and/or other commitments. Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, the Pakistan 28 sensitive actor in the protection of civilians. Geneva Call’s teams in different countries American University in Cairo, the Global The Philippines 29 These two overriding objectives encompass and regions strengthened their internal IHL Centre of Diakonia and Norwegian Thailand 30 both its operations and organizational knowledge and capacities to better identify Refugee Council (NRC). In addition, Geneva Ukraine 31 structure & governance: and measure the impact on the ground, Call also completed the development of thanks to the improvement of the data a series of new educational and training Latin America 32 • DEEPEN EXPERTISE on the engage- management system and the development tools on the protection of health care, Latin America: regional approach 33 ment of ANSAs and consolidate its of additional tools adapted to regional and displaced persons and cultural property Colombia 34 action on the ground: Geneva Call con- country context specificities. in armed conflict. tinues to consolidate its action in the cur- Near and Middle East (NAME) 36 rent countries of intervention by more In order to achieve its objectives, during As part of the organization’s guiding val- Near and Middle East: regional approach - Regional Support Unit 37 closely monitoring the actual commit- 2020, Geneva Call continued to train and ues, Geneva Call pays particular attention Iraq 38 ment of ANSAs who are already engaged build the capacity of programmatic staff to the important role of women in the Syria 39 and by reaching out to additional ANSAs in their engagement work with ANSAs, prevention and resolution of conflicts, Yemen 40 when possible. despite the challenges imposed by the peace negotiations, peace-building and pandemic situation. While initial workplans humanitarian access, fully in line with the Operational Support 41 • STRENGTHEN GENEVA CALL’S CA- had to be revised and adapted, alternative UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Policy and legal unit 41 PACITY to implement its operations solutions and resources were applied to women, peace and security (s/res/1325 Communication 42 effectively and sustainably: Geneva increase internal capacities (mostly via (2000)). As of December 2020, 25 ANSAs Administration and Finance 42 Call works towards achieving financial online tools). This contributed to Geneva have signed the Deed of Commitment on Human Resources 43 sustainability and independence by es- Call’s strategic objective aiming at applying the prohibition of sexual violence in armed tablishing the necessary structure and el- a harmonized working manner and meth- conflict and towards the elimination of Financial Report 44 ements to conduct its mission effectively. odology across the contexts of operations. gender discrimination. Incorporating all Geneva Call is thankful to its donors, supporters and staff 48 pillars of the Women, Peace and Security Support us 48 OPERATIONS In 2020, Geneva Call also explored the agenda, the Deed of Commitment adopts Board of Trustees 50 possibility of developing humanitarian a holistic and comprehensive approach. Directorate 50 Geneva Call continued to strengthen its engagement in a new context, namely in Moreover, during the engagement with engagement of ANSAs throughout 2020 in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh ANSAs and affected communities, Geneva 14 contexts worldwide where its operations and surrounding territories. Following the Call focuses particularly on the gender are located (Libya, Mali, Democratic Republic eruption of an armed conflict between aspect, especially promoting actions and of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and the self-proclaimed Republic measures to protect women and girls from Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan/ of Artsakh together with Armenia, Geneva gender-based violence, such as rape and Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines Call undertook 2 field assessments aiming other forms of sexual abuse, in situations and Colombia). As the pandemic crises to develop an engagement strategy with of armed conflict. hit the world and impacted Geneva Call’s key actors of the crisis and build acceptance field work and activities, several ANSAs in of humanitarian engagement. different countries, such as DRC, Mali, Iraq, of Geneva based private donors. was possiblereserves through the support specific programmes and a contribution to support 2020 to in board on came countries addition, several new earmarked donor challenging conditions due to Covid-19. In the 2020 despite for funding their newed AllSecurity. key continued funders or re Child Protection and Women Peace and of areas the in notably support, thematic an expressed interestalso in increased donors Several 2020. in funding core its to multiyear year core support and increases and Geneva Call has focused on increasing and information management. to improvedigital enhancements, reporting change, to include financialsystems and a blueprint highlighting the priorities for yield to expected is review the of outcome andnecks improvement The opportunities. with the objective of highlighting bottle workflows and processes systems, existing pendent business review, which examines The organization has invested in an inde management. cash and travel as well as policies, control and financial obligations, budget management committing the organization to legal or as Delegation of for Authority all decisions upgraded and introduced during 2020, such staff isSeveral onboarded. policies were as year the during implemented been and oped including templates, related policies, inductionstaff package hasbeen devel and a routine for annual review. A finance risk register and risk management policy with the establishment of a consolidated defined been has framework policy risk organization throughout 2020. An overall financial management outcomes forthe stronger about bring to team the ening processes, procedures as well as strength systems, its in improvement of apath on countability ened financial sustainability and ac strength ongoing achieve to looks it As &STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 CALL GENEVA improving its funding , Geneva Call has continued continued has Call , Geneva by securing ------management system is developed in con performance The 2020. during HQ 3at and staffmembers recruited forfield positions 39 been have There employer. an as offers thedemonstrating niche that Geneva Call tions it receives for positions, advertised strong interest in the number of applica Despite this challenge, Geneva Call has seen competes for the same limited resources. a challenge, as sector the humanitarian be to continues locations difficult to ing The recruitment of talented staffdeploy management. compensation finally, and learning management, performance ment, recruit four comprises system elements: Geneva The talent Call management tools. policiestalent and management systems, oping and human promoting its resources expertise and dedication of degree high a with profiles standing attract out to continued has Call Geneva support. financial increased and donors support from existing donors as well as new renewed in resulting Call Geneva of work the in interest great showed donors where 2020 November of end the at held was fully A funded. 2021 Pledging Conference and programme monitoring was made and further strengthen organizational support and an appeal for additional core funding to presented a revised budget in September Coreresults. and Programme donors were deliver to Call Geneva in place they trust generous support of donors and its the the to thanks review under period the for revised budget was almost fully funded its that report can 2020 and in growth Geneva Call has shown modest budget by functions. local markets and competitive benchmarks the on focused scales salary its of review the on embark will Call 2021 Geneva During and where strengthening and when needed. management system and to provide support useof ensure performance the effective engage with staff and management to Human resourcesorganization. regularly the of areas all across implemented been The system of performance appraisal has with the standards offormity best-practice. by further devel further by ------efforts during this time of pandemic. of time this during efforts advocacy of focus aparticular been has control their under territories to access civilians and to guarantee humanitarian protect to order in ANSAs with engage to expertise of the organization. The need understand the unique added value and better to stakeholders allow to and work its of impact the show better to evolved has Geneva Call’s communication with ANSAs, measures and responses in engagement its gration of the communication of Covid-19 events, thematic briefings and the inte virtual as such elements Through work. actively demonstrates the impact of its nication themaintained, organization’s commu humanitarianthe space necessary to be to addition In influence. portunities to and enhance visibility its op additional 2020 provided in niversary an 20th Call’s Geneva pandemic, global Despite imposed by the constraints the developed to support this ongoing transfer. packages, as mentioned above have been Staff trainingfieldinduction offices. and and Project Cycle to activities Management grantaccounting, management fundraising, transfer to aview with budgets and plans redefinedand included innew project and regional support structures have been the key roles required missions in country out by headquarters and local offices to efforts In has evolved in a way which more more which away in evolved has streamline activities carried advocating for for 8 - - - - ,

International Humanitarian Protection of health care Norms and Principles in armed conflict

The vast majority of armed conflicts oc- sion of codes of conduct and humanitarian www.theirwords.org and case studies, The provision and protection of health care curring around the globe today involve unilateral declarations and agreements. the project aims to increase knowledge in conflict-affected areas were of particular armed non-State actors (ANSAs) fighting In addition, Geneva Call has strived to of ANSAs’ views and inform strategies concern for Geneva Call during 2020. In

against government forces or other AN- share its experience and expertise with to promote their compliance with IHL. addition to the already existing scenario in © Geneva Call SAs. Although International Humanitarian the humanitarian community through which health care personnel, facilities and Law (IHL) establishes a comprehensive various ways. • On 18th February 2020, Geneva Call held transports come under attack, COVID-19 was legal framework binding upon all parties its third session of the Garance Talks on reported in various armed conflicts around to conflict, violations still continue and Enhanced understanding of ANSAs the topic of the conduct of hostilities by the globe, thus exacerbating the human- have a devastating effect on the civilian practice and interpretation of IHL: ANSAs. The meeting brought together itarian needs of the population. Ensuring population. They include deliberate attacks experts and four ANSAs from around the that individuals have access to health care on civilians and civilian facilities, such as • Throughout the year, Geneva Call con- globe to address the challenges faced by has been challenging in this context. The schools and hospitals; sexual violence, the tinued to collect and analyse data on the latter when attempting to comply Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition unlawful recruitment and use of children ANSAs’ practice and interpretation of with IHL rules, in particular distinction, (SHCC) has documented that in several in hostilities, the indiscriminate use of IHL as part of a unique research pro- proportionality and precaution. Differ- countries, parties to conflict have directly explosive weapons and attacks against ject undertaken in collaboration with ent challenges were identified from the affected hospitals treating COVID-19 and humanitarian workers. Many of these vi- the Geneva Academy of International discussions, notably the “capacity” of the quarantine centres. Ambulances transport- olations are committed by ANSAs. Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, respective ANSA to actually implement ing test results and testing teams were the American University in Cairo, the rules that are primarily designed for the also subject of attacks. ANSAs have been The core of Geneva Call’s work is to im- Global IHL Centre of Diakonia and NRC. armed forces of States and the different involved in various related incidents during prove the protection of civilians during Field trips were conducted in Myanmar, interpretations that ANSAs may have of the year. They have also adopted measures armed conflicts by engaging ANSAs to the Philippines and Somaliland in Janu- certain legal terms, such as “direct par- to contain the spread of the virus in the respect international humanitarian norms, ary and February. Two case-studies (on ticipation in hostilities”. In addition to territories they control, closing business, in particular on the thematic areas listed FARC-EP and MNLA) are at an advanced discussing the normative framework, establishing lockdowns, increasing health in the following sections. Geneva Call has stage and will be published during 2021. the meeting also addressed the integra- checks, and imposing travel controls. been engaging and training ANSAs on Others are ongoing. Preliminary results tion of the rules governing the conduct the respect of IHL since 2012. Trust has were presented during the Geneva Peace of hostilities within the internal regula- Geneva Call started to work on the pro- been built with the leadership of these Week in November 2020 and various tions of the ANSAs which participated tection of health care in armed conflict in groups, leading to the adoption and revi- other events. Drawing on the database and their actual implementation. 2018. To date, 2 ANSAs have signed the Deed of Commitment for the protection of health care in armed conflict and have taken measures to implement them. 14 ANSAs have signed unilateral declarations during the pandemic.

Strengthened compliance by armed Enhanced protection of conflict af- • In South Sudan, following Geneva Call’s non-State actors with humanitarian fected populations: engagement and discussions on signing norms: the Unilateral Declaration on COVID-19 • Geneva Call launched a COVID-19 Armed and Health Care, the National Salvation • Geneva Call completed the develop- Non-State Actors’ Response Monitor with Front (NAS) issued a press release calling ment of new educational materials on the goal of collecting systemic informa- on the South Sudanese People to help the protection of health care to be used tion on those measures adopted by AN- mitigate the spread of the pandemic and in training activities with ANSAs, includ- SAs, when and how these have evolved follow the measures and regulations of ing an illustrated booklet on its Deed of over time. Preliminary conclusions on the WHO. Commitment and an immersive, scenar- the impact and content of the Response io-based video. Monitor were shared in different fora, including at the Paris Peace Forum in November. Geneva Call also supported various commitments undertaken by ANSAs through a Unilateral Declaration on COVID-19 and Health Care. © Geneva Call GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 12 13 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Displacement Cultural heritage

Armed conflict continues to threaten Geneva Call started to engage ANSAs on a short video for its “Fighter not Killer” cultural heritage. Direct and deliberate the protection of cultural heritage in armed campaign. These were developed to- attacks against cultural heritage, notably conflict in 2018. gether with relevant stakeholders, who

© Geneva Call by ANSAs, as illustrated by the attacks in turn praised the materials for render- against Timbuktu in Mali in 2012 or Palmyra Strengthened compliance by armed ing accessible highly technical rules to in Syria in 2015, have profound long-term non-State actors with humanitarian all those participating in armed conflict. consequences. In addition, as a result of norms: the urbanisation of warfare, historical monuments, religious buildings, and other • Against this background, Geneva Call cultural sites have suffered significant completed the development of new ed- collateral damage. The illegal excavation ucational tools to disseminate the pro- of archaeological sites, looting and illicit tections granted under IHL to cultural trafficking of cultural objects further en- property, namely an illustrated book- danger cultural heritage. let with key messages for fighters and

By the end of 2020, an unprecedented sanitation and live in densely populated trated booklet with key messages for 79.5 million people around the world were sites. This is particularly the case for those fighters in armed conflicts explains the forced from their homes by armed conflict, who live in areas controlled by ANSAs. rules to prevent forced displacement persecution, or violence, according to the as well as the rules granting protection United Nations High Commissioner for Geneva Call started to engage ANSAs on to internally displaced people. Second, Refugees (UNHCR). ANSAs are present in the protection of displaced people in 2017. Geneva Call produced a new video on most countries with high levels of internal the prohibition of forced displacement displacement. They may be responsible for Strengthened compliance by armed for its “Fighter not Killer” campaign. Fi- forced displacement, prevent displaced non-State actors with humanitarian nally, Geneva Call developed a series of person from returning home or prevent norms: immersive, scenario-based videos to be the delivery of humanitarian assistance. In used in training activities with ANSAs. some instances, they also control territory • As part of its thematic engagement, where displaced people live. The COVID-19 Geneva Call completed new education- pandemic exacerbated the vulnerability of al material and training tools in 2020. internally displaced people who are often First, relying on the UN Guiding Princi-

without access to basic health care and ples on Internal Displacement, an illus- istock © GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 14 15 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Gender Landmines and explosive weapons

Sexual violence continues to be pervasive Geneva Call has been working on gender by ANSAs. The evaluation also provided According to the latest Landmine Monitor, in armed conflict. In his 2020 report, the issues since 2012. To date, 25 ANSAs have recommendations for further improve- from mid-2019 through October 2020, the UN Secretary General flags that most al- signed the Deed of Commitment prohibiting ment of the thematic engagement. use of antipersonnel (AP) mines by ANSAs

legations of sexual violence are attributed sexual violence in armed conflict and towards has been confirmed in at least six countries, © Geneva Call to ANSAs active in 9 countries: Central the elimination of gender discrimination and Enhanced protection of conflict af- including Afghanistan, Colombia, India, African Republic, Democratic Republic of have taked measures to implement them. fected populations: Libya, Myanmar, and Pakistan. There were the Congo, Iraq, Mali, Somalia, Sudan, South also unconfirmed allegations of new AP Sudan, Syria and Nigeria. In the same report, Strengthened internal capacities of • In the Philippines, Geneva Call complet- mine use in Cameroon, Mali, the Philippines, the UN Secretary General underlines the Geneva Call’s to engage with ANSAs: ed a project on the empowerment of Syria, Turkey, and Yemen, among other linkages between gender inequalities and women and with convergence of Islamic countries. 2019 was the fifth year in a row sexual violence and highlights how many • In 2020, Geneva Call completed an in- Law and IHL at its centre. This focused with high numbers of recorded casualties ANSAs contribute to or uphold deep-rooted ternal evaluation of its engagement on supporting the capacity of Alimat, due to the indiscriminate use of landmines gender inequalities in their policies and of ANSAs on the prohibition of sexual female Ulama or Islamic scholars, and mines, of which the vast majority were practices. The Covid-19 pandemic and the violence in armed conflict and gender local civil society to advocate for in- civilians. In addition to the human cost, response thereto compounded the threats discrimination. As part of this thematic creased compliance with international AP mines and other explosive weapons to women and girls in armed conflict, in engagement, 25 ANSAs have signed the humanitarian norms and relevant Islamic hamper the delivery of essential services, what has been called a shadow pandemic Deed of Commitment on the prohibition Laws by ANSAs. Following the project, such as health care and education. Their by the UN Special Representative to the of sexual violence in armed conflict and Geneva Call initiated the design of new presence also severely hinders the delivery Secretary-General on sexual violence. On towards the elimination of gender dis- materials/content for preventing Sexu- of humanitarian relief, the return of dis- the one hand, the Covid-19 pandemic led crimination. Incorporating all pillars of al Violence together with Alimat which placed people and economic development. to a rise in sexual violence in conflict areas. the Women, Peace and Security agenda, will be launched in 2021. On the other hand, fewer services have the Deed of Commitment adopts a holis- Geneva Call has been working on landmine become available to victims and survivors, tic and comprehensive approach. The • In Yemen, following its work in relation issues since it was set up in 2000. To date, amongst others due to movement restric- internal evaluation identified the ma- to gender and diversity aspects, Gene- 54 ANSAs have signed the Deed of Com- tions, reluctance to visit health facilities jor strengths of Geneva Call’s thematic va Call has made an overall mapping of mitment for the adherence to a total ban for fear of exposure and the re-direction engagement, including in respect of its women in security forces with the view to on anti-personnel mines and for cooperation of existing resources. work with signatory ANSAs to the Deed identify gender issues. Geneva Call also in Mine Action and have taken measures • In Afghanistan, Geneva Call continued its • In Pakistan, Geneva Call strengthened of Commitment. In particular, Geneva Call carried out focussed group discussion on to implement them, such as stockpile de- humanitarian engagement with the Tal- the capacities of its partner SPADO, is among the few organizations that ad- the issues and barriers to women’s ef- struction. Other ANSAs have taken similar iban, which expressed interest in having which leads the Pakistan chapter of the dresses these issues in areas controlled fective participation in security forces. pledges. Moreover, in recent years, Geneva their field commanders trained on IHL, Landmine Report, in developing their Call has also addressed the use of explosive with a special interest on lawful means knowledge of IHL in order for them to weapons in populated areas by ANSAs. of war and legitimate use of explosives. better disseminate key messages to their stakeholders. Geneva Call con- Induced policy change within ANSAs: Strengthened capacities of opera- ducted trainings and awareness-raising tional partners: sessions with Civil Society Organizations • In Yemen, the Southern Transitional (CSOs), local leaders, religious scholars, Council (STC) agreed to move towards • In Myanmar, after receiving training from teachers and youth on key principles of the implementation stage of the signed Geneva Call, the Ta’ang Student and international humanitarian law, includ- Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment for the Youth Union (TSYU) released a public ing the prohibition of AP mines as part adherence to a total ban on anti-personnel statement on the risk of AP mines, rec- of discussions on the means and meth- mines and for cooperation in Mine Action. ommending that “all armed groups shall ods of warfare. Geneva Call worked with high-ranking give respect and follow the rules or obliga- officials, focusing on the prohibition use tions under the international law of war, Enhanced protection of conflict af- of landmines, AP mines and encourag- conventions, shall not use land mines, fected populations: ing the removal of explosive remnants not operate military plan in concerning of war (ERW) in densely populated are- to harm civilians and its objects, and if • In Afghanistan, religious leaders sup- as in coordination with mandate hold- any land mines from any armed groups ported Geneva Call in contextualising er organizations and agencies. The STC did destroy to civilian shall have both re- its core IHL messages, with correspond- expressed an interest in disseminating sponsible and accountable” and designed ing Islamic references, including a spe- knowledge on this issue among other context-appropriate illustrations on the cific message on prohibited means and combatants who are under their respon- prohibition of AP mines targeting mem- methods of warfare. Geneva Call also sibility/command. bers of the Ta’ang National Liberation launched a mass-media campaign on its Army (TNLA). Facebook page in Dari and Pashto, covering key messages of IHL, including the ban on AP mines, reaching over 2 million users, and developed a corresponding

© Geneva Call phone application. deprived of their liberty. liberty. their of deprived arbitrarily also were they contexts, some In care. medical and shelter food, denied cases, some in were, who children, for has led also to devastating consequences Thecation. denial of humanitarian access edu to access their on impact an has also but teachers, and students the for a risk creates only not This reported. were schools onattacks use education or of military where 37 countries least at were there 2017-2018, in that noted (GCPEA) Attack Global Coalition to Protect Education from the 2020, In concern. major another is tion among The their disruption of ranks. educa are in conflict indeed armed tobe found involved children Many ANSAs. are most on childrentary-General and armed conflict, Secre UN the by 2020 report the in children of graveperpetrators against violations as listed are that parties the Of tilities. hos in used and recruited and abducted maimed, and killed being are They zones. settings, including in conflict high-intensity conflict in living are worldwide children According to Save the Children, 415 million ANNUAL REPORT 2020 CALL GENEVA Child protection and education protection and Child - - - - to implement the obligations contained measures taken have and 2020, in being theof effects armed conflict ment for the protection of children from Deed of Commit the signed have ANSAs since conflict in2010. armed To date, 28 the protection of children and education towards working been has Call Geneva • norms: non-State actors with humanitarian Strengthened compliance by armed undertaken similar pledges. have ANSAs Other ranks. their from dren therein, such as of demobilization chil ternational Review of the Red Cross. Cross. Red the of Review ternational In the in published was issues these on learned lessons and experience Call’s va ten An article summarizing years. Gene last the in encountered has it successes seminating some of the challenges and dis by areas thematic these on working continued has Call Geneva activities, al operation its to addition in and 2020, In , the last one one last , the ------• communities: Strengthened capacities of affected • campaign. awareness an for products other and ers post produce and design to Call Geneva teachers and students and approached schools, protect to call the for support at levelpersonnel community expressed tection the and educational education, pro child on awareness their creasing work with aiming communities, at in In after Geneva the Call’s Philippines, in transition. with the ANSA action on the thematic in coordination tonomous region. 2021 will see concrete Protection of Education within the au and the Committee on Tarbiyah on the Higher and Technical (MBHTE) Education Basic of Ministry its and (BARMM), danao ro Autonomous Region of Muslim Min Liberation Front and Bangsamo (MILF) series of consultations with Moro Islamic a had has Call Geneva Philippines, the In 16 ------

Africa Africa: regional approach © Geneva Call

Libya

Mali

South Sudan

Democratic Republic of the Congo

What was the conflict situation in The Covid-19 pandemic has had multiple • The Africa team developed and deployed

the region, targeted countries? impacts on public health, local economies new tools to improve monitoring and and livelihoods. African governments took quality assurance of project implemen- The African continent has seen a continua- measures to mitigate the pandemic, leading tation and to systematically gather suc- tion of several armed conflicts throughout to a slow-down of Geneva Call’s activities cess stories of Geneva Call’s work. 2020. Civilians continued to bear the brunt in spring. However, by mid-2020, Geneva of these violent confrontations and have Call was able to continue its operations What has Geneva Call done in the re- been victims of a multitude of IHL viola- and re-conduct field missions. gion/targeted countries to ensure an tions such as indiscriminate attacks, forced ongoing conflict sensitive approach? displacement, recruitment of children into What were the regional achieve- armed groups, Sexual and Gender Based ments? Geneva Call has taken a conflict sensitive Violence (SGBV) and attacks on medical approach in all its country programmes in facilities. • Geneva Call continued its work in Mali, Africa. This is done through a) transparent DRC, RSS and Libya, and worked towards communication with all relevant stakehold- Security incidents against humanitarian developing operations in two addition- ers, including communities, in order to workers remain at a high level, limiting al contexts. explain Geneva Call’s work and engagement humanitarian access in hard-to-reach with ANSAs. This is particularly relevant to areas of conflict affected countries (Sa- • Following its formal registration in Sudan avoid being perceived as an NGO support- hel region, South Sudan and the DRC). In in 2020, Geneva Call managed to initiate ing ANSAs, but rather as an NGO working several countries of operations, Security actions that set the ground for the re- towards a better protection of civilians Sector Reforms processes have been put sumption of in-country operations after by maintaining a dialogue with ANSAs on in place or are being negotiated. This has about a decade of engaging Sudanese international humanitarian norms. b) When altered the nature of ANSAs that Geneva ANSAs on various IHL themes. selecting ANSAs for engagement and areas Call engages. As long as full integration of intervention, Geneva Call ensures to have is not concluded, Geneva Call maintains • Geneva Call initiated engagement with a balanced portfolio in terms of religious, engagement with ANSAs who are signatory Cameroonian ANSAs and held a training political and ethnic identity of ANSAs. This parties to peace agreements. on IHL for senior officers. means that in most contexts, Geneva Call engages ANSAs who are fighting each other and works in geographic areas held by antagonist ANSAs. GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 20 21 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Democratic Republic Libya of the Congo (DRC)

What was the impact of Geneva Call’s Strengthened capacities of operational Enhanced coordination and synergies achievements in 2020? partners • Following completion of a comprehen- What was the impact of Geneva Call’s Direct impact on affected populations • The establishment of an IHL network, sive mapping of armed actors, Geneva achievements in 2020? bringing together Libyan CSOs oper- Call conducted extensive briefings to • Geneva Call provided training of train- ating in East, West and South Libya, as key humanitarian and donor community

Direct impact on affected populations © Geneva Call ers on humanitarian norms for six Lib- well as ongoing capacity building and fi- members, relevant international actors, yan CSOs and provided small grants to nancial support through a small grants and UN agencies, sharing gained insights • A split faction of an ANSA whom Geneva carry out IHL awareness raising activi- programme by Geneva Call led to the and advice with the larger humanitari- Call is engaging had taken up quarters in ties. One of the CSOs, trained by Gene- implementation of far-reaching IHL dis- an community. a school awaiting their integration into va Call, held an IHL awareness raising semination activities with academics, the Congolese army. A female teach- session with female representatives of journalists, jurists and civil society ac- What challenges did Geneva Call er, after participating in Geneva Call’s the ministry of education and teachers. tivists, thus multiplying Geneva Call’s face in this context? awareness raising activities on IHL and The sons of several of those teachers awareness-raising efforts. the protection of education, reminded had recently been detained by an armed • Due to Covid-19, access to Libya was very the ANSA commander that is unlawful actor, who did not allow them to com- • As part of its efforts to develop IHL mes- restricted in 2020. Many planned activi- to use a school for military purposes. municate with their families. After the sages destined for religious audiences, ties were organized remotely. Strength- As a result, the commander ordered the session, some of the teachers staged a Geneva Call held a consultation with ening the IHL network and the small withdrawal from the school and reloca- protest in front of the detention facil- religious leaders from different Islamic grants programme mitigated access is- tion of his troops to another area, thus ity, and finally negotiated family visits currents to ensure that developed mes- sues and allowed Geneva Call to imple- allowing the children to access educa- for the detainees. sages are audible to Libyans of various ment activities through its local partners. tion safely again. Islamic affiliations.

• Geneva Call’s direct negotiation with Expenditure ANSA leadership led to the release of CHF hostages kidnapped by two ANSAs of TOTAL 447 483 North Kivu. The hostages were from local communities and included a med- • The APCLS as well as the Collectif des What challenges did Geneva Call ical nurse. mouvements pour le changement (CMC) face in this context? issued a circular to their troops to remind • As a result of direct engagement with Ge- them about the respect of IHL, the pro- • Due to limited funding, Geneva Call’s neva Call, an ANSA proactively launched tection of civilians and their property, field office in Goma remained minimal- an awareness raising campaign among the protection of the medical mission ly staffed which impacts the level of communities to encourage parents to and the protection of schools. follow-up that the organization would send the children to school, instead of like to apply to its work with ANSAs and making them work in the fields, there- Strengthened capacities of affected communities. by promoting education for children. communities • The ANSA landscape in the DRC is vola- Induced policy change • By installing feedback boxes in 12 com- tile and fast-changing, with splits, uni- munities, Geneva Call has been able fications and new alliances on a regular • The Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo to strengthen feedback loops and ac- basis. This is a challenge for the sustain- libre et souverain (APCLS), a signatory countability. able dialogue that Geneva Call seeks to of the Deed of Commitment for the pro- establish. tection of health care in armed conflict, Enhanced coordination and synergies took a public commitment to protect health care and to contribute to prevent • Geneva Call has developed partnerships the spread of Covid-19. The ANSA also with international NGOs that allowed it held a symposium on Covid-19 among to open its work to new thematic areas. their troops to raise their awareness on The partnership with Fondation Hiron- measures to mitigate the pandemic. In delle, for instance, aims at the expansion parallel, the implementation of the two to the protection of the environment Deeds of Commitment is ongoing and and conservation, in particular related closely monitored by Geneva Call. to the Virunga Park which is an impor- Expenditure tant natural reserve but currently being CHF economically exploited by ANSAs. TOTAL 269 789 © CICR – Elabeid, Fares GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 22 23 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Mali South Sudan

What was the impact of Geneva Call’s Facilitated humanitarian access Enhanced coordination and synergies What was the impact of Geneva Call’s achievements in 2020? achievements in 2020? • Thanks to Geneva Call’s negotiation with • Since the beginning of 2020, Geneva Call

Induced policy change Dana Ambassagou, one humanitarian participates in an international research Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian © Geneva Call medical organization was able to access project led by the University of York to engagement due to global pandemic • As a result of Geneva Call’s work, the the affected territory and provide need- study the influence of religious leaders Plateforme des mouvements du 14 juin ed medical assistance. on Malian ANSAs. • Through direct engagement, Geneva Call 2014 d’Alger and the Dana Ambassagou was able to convince the National Sal- have signed the Unilateral Declaration Expanded range of ANSAs engaged What challenges did Geneva Call vation Front (NAS) to act on the COVID on Covid-19 and Health Care. Both also face in this context? situation. As a result, NAS issued a press conducted a number of dissemination ac- • Throughout the year, Geneva Call has release calling on the South Sudanese tivities to prevent the spread of the virus. maintained strong links to influential • The coup d’état in August 2020 and sub- people to help mitigate the spread of actors of the Peul community, in view of sequent transition phase had a drastic the pandemic and follow the measures • Two ANSAs have requested Geneva Call’s conveying protection messages based impact on the social and political con- and regulations of the WHO. review of their respective Codes of Con- on Islamic law to more radical groups. text in Mali and also led to the repo- duct which led to in-depth exchanges on sitioning of some ANSAs. Geneva Call • Geneva Call also carried out a public the importance of aligning those with in- Strengthened capacities of operational closely monitored the evolution of the campaign in Central and Western Equa- ternational humanitarian norms. Geneva partners situation and adapted its engagement toria states raising public awareness Call has reviewed the Code of Conduct work accordingly. Moreover, the coup on the COVID-19 virus, targeting about of one of these ANSA and has proposed • Following training sessions targeting resulted in a surge of the price of basic 800,000 people through radio. Com- amendments to ensure conformity with CSOs in Gao, Mopti and Koro, several necessities forcing Geneva Call staff to ments received from listeners indicate international humanitarian norms. youth groups have started discussing the implement a contingency plan. that these broadcast radio messages had set-up of early warning units (cellules de reached areas that would be tradition- veille) to prevent violations and support ally difficult to access due to insecurity. the protection of civilians This was therefore seen by listeners as a good method for reaching out to re- • Local media partners in Gao and Mopti mote areas with messages that affect (Annuya and Kaoural) both have initiated Expenditure their health and that of their families. radio shows on the topic of preventing CHF the spread of the COVID-19 virus based Expanded range of ANSAs engaged Strengthened capacities of operational What challenges did Geneva Call TOTAL 381 518 on material developed by Geneva Call. partners face in this context? • In August 2020, Vice-President and general commander of Sudan People’s Liber- • Selected Civil Society Organizations • The main challenge during 2020 was the ation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) Riek (CSOs)/ Community Based Organiza- COVID-19 pandemic that curtailed much Machar, granted Geneva Call access to all tions (CBOs) working in areas affected of Geneva Call’s operations in South of his troups and following this, Gene- by conflict were capacitated by Geneva Sudan. To mitigate this, Geneva Call fo- va Call held three training sessions with Call on international humanitarian norms. cused on activities that did not require SPLA-IO troops and affiliates (Agwelek Participants acquired good knowledge physical presence. forces, White Army, Arrow Boys). Most which Geneva Call sees as a first step to of the participants lauded the initiative strengthen their work towards enhanc- • Another challenge relates to staff turn- as crucial as they have never directly re- ing protection of civilians in their respec- over and recruitment of new staff that ceived such trainings. In fact, some of the tive areas and ultimately to become the required coaching. Geneva Call had to senior SPLA-IO commanders in Maiwut forefront responders to IHL violations send one of its HQ staff as acting Country recommended to continue such train- when they occur. Director to the field to carry out some ings with other sectors and divisions activities and to be closer to the opera- to improve their knowledge about IHL. tions on the ground.

Expenditure

CHF TOTAL 597 372 © Geneva Call GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 24 25 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Asia and Europe Asia and Europe: regional approach © Geneva Call

Ukraine Afghanistan

Myanmar Pakistan

Thailand The Philippines

What was the conflict situation in What were the regional achieve- What has Geneva Call done in the re- the region, targeted countries? ments? gion/targeted countries to ensure an ongoing conflict sensitive approach? In 2020, Eurasia faced multiple security • Following the outbreak of conflict in challenges at the subnational level which South Caucasus, Geneva Call resumed Through its strong field presence in the are closely linked to domestic economic humanitarian engagement with fighting Eurasia region at the capital and provincial and political issues, but which have ram- parties with a particular focus on internal levels, Geneva Call has been able to improve ifications beyond borders: from natural protection for the displaced, treatment its understanding of the contexts and com- disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic, of the dead/wounded/remains and the plex conflict dynamics in which it operates ethnic and religious conflicts, and weak international framework of peacekeep- and how civilian protection is impacted. systems of governance. Eurasia is at the ing missions. This relates in particular to the relations crossroads of many powerful States such as between different ANSAs or segments of the the Russian Federation, Turkey and China, • Geneva Call also started to strengthen its communities as well as the close interaction that have a strong influence over the polit- approach towards gender mainstreaming between Geneva Call’s interventions and ical and economic development of fragile through all phases of country program- these ANSAs. To avoid unintended negative states affected by armed conflicts and their ming. For example, Geneva Call enables impacts of its work, Geneva Call carefully security situations. COVID-19 has posed female participants and presenters in Af- selected the target groups by ensuring it a significant threat to the maintenance ghanistan and Pakistan, to be accompa- does not discriminate against a particular of humanitarian access to populations in nied by mahrams (male guardians, such group of people nor exacerbate tensions needs of protection. The newly designed as their brothers, fathers, uncles) to in- between communities. Geneva Call also COVID-19 ANSAs Response Monitor tracks crease female participation. ensures transparent relations with all parties the measures that ANSAs have taken re- to the conflict including communities and garding the prevention of the pandemic. • Geneva Call increased its monitoring and states representatives to ensure acceptance Ongoing analysis will highlight how ANSAs evaluation capacity, through the system- as a neutral, impartial, and independent comply with their positive obligations in atic use of surveys and feedback mecha- organization focused essentially on civilian regard to crisis management. nisms to assess the needs of our stake- protection through humanitarian engage- holders and the impact of its actions. ment with ANSAs. GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 26 27 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Afghanistan Myanmar

What was the impact of Geneva Call’s Induced policy change Expanded range of ANSAs engaged What was the impact of Geneva Call’s achievements in 2020? achievements in 2020? • Geneva Call jointly developed with the • Geneva Call has established contacts

Direct impact on affected populations Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) an with Shia interlocutors in Bamiyan prov- Direct impact on affected populations © Geneva Call information package related to the pro- ince with links to notoriously secretive • After the Taliban disclosed to Geneva tection of healthcare, which their mem- and hard-to-reach Shia- and Iran-related • Following the Restoration Council of Call the reasons behind their closure of bers distributed in their controlled are- militias. They have expressed interest in Shan State (RCSS)/ Shan State Army– a health clinic in the Arghistan district as in 4 provinces, reaching close to 9000 increasing their compliance with inter- South (SSA-S) signing the Deed of Com- of Kandahar province, Geneva Call suc- individuals. During initial steps, they national humanitarian norms, especially mitment for the protection of children from cessfully acted as an interlocutor be- showed definite openness and willing- in connection to protection of cultural the effects of armed conflict, Geneva Call tween parties to the conflict, the local ness on the part of the IEA to engage in heritage, paving the way for direct en- has worked with the ANSA’s Education community, and international organiza- constructive dialogue on changing their gagement with such groups. Commission to increase implementa- tions to unblock access to the clinic for behavior towards the better protection tion of its policy on demilitarization of a community of 35,000 people. of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian schools – forbidding RCSS members to engagement due to global pandemic bring weapons into schools across Shan State. Most notably this was demonstrat- • Following the outbreak of COVID-19, ed during a diplomatic visit to a university Geneva Call’s thematic focus shifted to at RCSS HQ where SSA-S fighters made IHL in relation to protection of medical a point of not carrying visible weaponry missions. Awareness raising and training into the school compound. Implementa- sessions including modules on IHL, pro- tion of this policy will ensure that RCSS tection of medical missions and preven- run-schools across Shan State are weap- tive measures against COVID-19 reached on-free areas freeing more than 10,000, close to 4000 attendants. A communi- children from potential armed violence. cation campaign containing posts and videos on the same topics was visited Induced policy change Expanded range of ANSAs engaged What challenges did Geneva Call by more than 2 million viewers. face in this context? • The Karen National Union (KNU)/ Ka- • After many years, Geneva Call was able What challenges did Geneva Call ren National Liberation Army (KNLA), to establish direct humanitarian engage- • The COVID-19 crisis seriously impacted face in this context? has agreed to formalize age verification ment with the KIO/KIA and conduct a Geneva Call’s activities as movements across all its brigades as well as to es- field mission to their HQ along the My- (particularly between Government and • Due to the military offensive in Helmand tablish a community-based complaints anmar/China border. Geneva Call is now Non-Government Controlled Areas and province leading to a full-scale conflict mechanism through which alleged vio- working with various KIO departments across international borders) were se- affecting Kandahar province as well as lations of the two Deeds of Commitment and the civil society on new policies to verely restricted. As such Geneva Call the complex security situation in Kun- signed by the KNU may be reported and protect access to education and wom- has adapted to providing remote en- duz, Geneva Call put planned activities addressed. en’s rights in conflict. gagement and activities. The legal en- and teams on hold in both areas at the vironment and counter-terrorism laws end of 2020. • Geneva Call and the RCSS Education Strengthened capacities of operational also continue to impede Geneva Call’s Commission are developing a Prevention partners activities – particularly engagement • A change of leadership at important of Exploitation and Abuse policy to be with locally proscribed groups. Geneva posts within the Government and com- implemented across RCSS run schools • Geneva Call trained over 500 civil soci- Call’s engagement with such ANSAs is plete change of the IEA leadership re- in Shan State. ety members on IHL and humanitarian limited to outside the country however quired Geneva Call to re-introduce itself engagement. As a result, the Ta’ang Stu- progress on this front has been limited as well as the planned engagement and • The Ta’ang National Liberation Army dent and Youth Union and the Shanni due to ongoing restrictions on interna- next steps.However, Geneva Call was (TNLA) has shared their internal code Youth Network conducted advocacy tar- tional travel. able to continue the dialogue with the of conduct with Geneva Call for legal geting ANSAs in their areas to address new IEA leadership in Doha. and technical review. continued use of landmines and abduc- tions and killings of youth in their areas. • In collaboration with the Kachin Wom- Expenditure en’s Association and the Kachin Political Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian Expenditure Consultative Team, Geneva Call is sup- engagement due to global pandemic CHF porting the Kachin Independence Organ- CHF TOTAL 545 365 ization (KIO) to develop internal policies • Awareness-raising campaigns on the TOTAL 569 484 to address human trafficking prevalent protection of healthcare in situation of in their areas of operation. complex emergency reached 300’000 people on social media and through the

© Geneva Call dissemination of posters and flyers. • partners Strengthened capacities of operational achievements in 2020? Call’s Geneva of impact the was What Pakistan ANNUAL REPORT 2020 CALL GENEVA spect for humanitarian norms. re for call to influencers of network a developed Call Geneva of partners local the most respected religious leaders, to ofofsome findings the restitution ential stakeholders, and subsequent its knowledge, attitude and practices influ bordering assessing IHL Afghanistan, communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the of members key with interviews Through focus group discussions and - - • communities Strengthened capacities of affected • engagement due to global pandemic Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian lets and flyers. flyers. and lets and disseminationnetworks of book people by using social media and radio ner organizations reached 1,300,000 part local by led healthcare of tection on campaigns the proAwareness-raising communities. their within norms such disseminate to their awareness and of ability their rights to sessions awareness-raising increase ing through dialogues, trainings and their with correlation Law, Islamic aim Peshawar) on humanitarian norms and the religious sector in and Islamabad from (including members community engaged targeted partners Local key - - - - TOTAL • context? this in face What challenges did Geneva Call Expenditure • and remotely. the activities through local partners er, Geneva managed Call to implement and execute as initially planned. Howev challenge to the project start activities agreat remained 19 pandemic COVID The astivities planned. targeted audiences and implement ac the reach to able still was Call Geneva coveringpartners various provinces, local to Thanks country. in operate and limiting Geneva Call’s to possibility move pleted within the expected timeframe, com not was and months, several for lockdown to due delayed was Pakistan in Call Geneva of registration formal The 187 CHF 515 28 - - -

© Geneva Call • partners Strengthened capacities of operational • rangeExpanded of engaged ANSAs achievements in 2020? Call’s Geneva of impact the was What Philippines The 29 • initiatives for the protection of civil have several launched public awareness Following Geneva Call’s CSOs trainings, influence. of areas their in civilians of discuss how to increase the protection further to Call Geneva and them invited learning about humanitarian norms and expressedlamist appreciation ANSA for Is an of members level, community the at session during an awareness-raising that reported partner local Call’s Geneva conducted. in relation to civilian protection was also practices and values of factions BIFM/F into consultants by out carried A study process. the down slowing are reasons andgagement although legal security en pursue to open cautiously remain have been regularly engaged and they (BIFM/F) Freedom Movement/Fighters Two factions of the Islamic Bangsamoro

- - - • communities Strengthened capacities of affected • references, religious have leaders begun Islamic with fighters for 15 rules of ment andgious the develop scholars/leaders extensiveAfter engagement with reli dressing protection issues. ad on CSOs and leaders religious by tively out initiatives supporting carried also state forces, security and produc cerns towards including bearers, duty communities raising started their con actors, armed of duties and rights their of awareness increased of aresult As ForcesArmed of the Philippines. the by araid after retaliate to village his reinforcements were pouring intoANSA while evacuate to them for wait and fire cross the in caught getting from vilians ci prevent to them with plead to BIFF of fighters approached member CSO a buildingGeneva Call’s activities, capacity of aresult As healthcare. of protection the specifically, more as, as well norms awareness on humanitarian nity-level campaigns and raising efforts commu these haveviduals, included radio, SMS 50 than more Reaching ians.

000 indi 000 ------TOTAL Expenditure • context? this in face What challenges did Geneva Call • engagement due to global pandemic Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian • • • Enhanced coordination and synergies come is yet to be made clear. clear. made be to yet is come out the but law, the by provided as tion ities for an explicit exemp humanitarian the support of author regional BARMM sought has Call Geneva partners. local by also engagement, direct on effect ative aneg had has uncertainty This 2020. of Law Anti-Terror the with blurred is ment engage ANSA for framework •The legal media. social and radio through phasis was added on communications Em lays in of implementation activities. COVID-19 restrictions some caused de for wider understanding and acceptance. sages were translated into local dialects civilians and healthcare. These key mes Facebook campaign on the protection of reached across Mindanao by Geneva Call’s were individuals million one than More active. are ANSAs where Provinces, Cotabato communities of Maguindanao and North ed by organizations in partner hotspot were norms Islamic widely disseminat tion of healthcare with corresponding Contextualized on messages the protec relevant Islamic principles. promoting civilian protection based on religious sector to work together on Islamic the and CSOs brought has Call Sur, Geneva del Lanao and Cotabato North Maguindanao, of provinces the In ANSA. targeted the of supporters be to said leaders religious other with dialogue for space create to madaris and mosques in lectures ular in norms integrating reg humanitarian GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA 276 CHF 333

------GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 30 31 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Thailand Ukraine

What was the impact of Geneva Call’s Strengthened capacities of operational • Covid-19 and related restrictions forced What was the impact of Geneva Call’s achievements in 2020? partners Geneva Call to maintain remote commu- achievements in 2020? nications with ANSA and work on policies

Direct impact on affected populations • A local civil society group that Geneva from a distance. However, Geneva Call Induced policy change © Geneva Call Call has educated about the Deed and was unable to conduct trainings as ANSA • A notable trend has been observed in issues concerning child protection, took members could not gather in one location • In Eastern Ukraine, Geneva Call discussed relation to recent operations believed the initiative to contextualize and pub- for the videoconference. Positively, the the various provisions of the Deed of to be carried out by the BRN with not lish child protection messages through hybrid approach (consultant on location, Commitment for the protection of health only less children affected, but less ci- popular social media, resulting in a wid- expat staff contributing through remote care in armed conflict with fighting par- vilian casualties overall. er discussion about protecting children sessions) has been successful with local ties expressing interest on their posi- in the area. CSOs and the religious sector. tive obligations to facilitate access for Induced policy change humanitarian aid and to medical care. • Two other trained partner organizations Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian • Long-term, direct humanitarian engage- play an important role in stimulating hu- engagement due to global pandemic • Geneva Call also provided legal advice ment between the BRN and Geneva Call manitarian knowledge and have begun on transitional justice and the use of has built a solid, trustworthy relationship, hosting activities to educate communi- • Local partners of Geneva Call shared fly- autonomous weapons, as requested by paving the way for the signing of Deed of ties on humanitarian norms. ers, posters and Facebook posts, as well some combatants. Commitment for the protection of children as messages on the protection of health from the effects of armed conflict in early • Another local partner initiated a series care shared through apps such as LINE Expanded range of ANSAs engaged 2020. Following their signing, the BRN of discussions on humanitarian norms and Messenger and reached more than has issued policy documents to comply with Imams from local mosques. 70,000 individuals. • Geneva Call kept building trust and ac- with the Deed. ceptance with integrated battalions and Strengthened capacities of affected volunteer units, which have confirmed communities their interest in deepening their knowledge of humanitarian norms and discuss- • Consultative meetings with communi- ing concrete policy changes. ties allowed them to collectively reflect Expenditure and analyse current protection concerns Strengthened capacities of operational Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian What challenges did Geneva Call and come up with solutions, building co- CHF partners engagement due to global pandemic face in this context? hesion and confidence to advocate for TOTAL 102 855 greater protection of civilians. • In partnership with a local civil society • In times of COVID-19, Geneva Call espe- • The global pandemic impacted the work organization, Geneva Call led a series cially sought to facilitate humanitarian of Geneva Call in Eastern Ukraine from of mediation sessions along the front- access to healthcare for communities both sides of the contact line. Drastic re- line in the Donbass, bringing together living along the frontline. To this end, strictions of movements across the con- conflict-affected communities, law en- its humanitarian engagement towards tact line hampered humanitarian access forcement representatives and fighting fighting parties emphasized the necessity and slowed down the implementation parties. These consultations provided a of creating safety zones around critical of humanitarian engagement. As an al- safe space and opened up dialogue about medical infrastructures and protecting ternative, Geneva Call started develop- protection needs and rights guaranteed medical transportation. COVID-19 relating online campaigns as well as virtual to civilians under international law in ed activities reached more than 600 di- training tools, and a series of thematic times of armed conflict. rect beneficiaries, members of fighting videos were disseminated on social me- parties as well as civil society. dia from 2020 onwards. • Seeking adherence and civilians participation in conflict-affected areas, Geneva • Furthermore, Geneva Call in Ukraine Call is spreading key messages on hu- keeps facing strict counter-terrorism manitarian norms through mass media legislation susceptible to undermine campaigns and virtual training tools. In its humanitarian engagement process. 2020, they reached in total more than 1,6 million people on both side of the contact line.

Expenditure

CHF TOTAL 354 203 © Shutterstock © GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 32 33 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Latin America Latin America: regional approach © CICR – Aguilera, Laura Aguilera, – CICR ©

Colombia

What was the conflict situation in resolved, and not all can be attributed to vulnerabilities for those migrants who find the region, targeted countries? ANSAs/ Organized Armed Groups (OAGs). themselves in conflict settings in Colom- Other humanitarian consequences include bia. Therefore, Geneva Call initiated its Latin America is the region of the world renewed displacement, the laying of AP engagement with actors across borders, where peace deteriorated most in 2020 mines, and increased forced recruitment with the aim to address the Venezuelan according to the “Global Peace Index 2020”. of minors. community both as a community at risk, The signing of the “Final Agreement to End as well as recognizing the cross-border the Armed Conflict and Build a Stable and The Venezuela economic and social crisis structure of several ANSAs. Lasting Peace” in Colombia represented a has exacerbated existing violence and historic leap forward for peace and a new insecurity in the country. ANSAs, including What has Geneva Call done in the resource of hope for people in the country. the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), gion/targeted countries to ensure an However, since January 2019, further dia- and other OAGs operate along both sides of ongoing conflict sensitive approach? logue with other ANSAs has largely been the border with Colombia. Criminal organi- frozen and there has been an increase zations and illegal economies have become The context in Latin America is highly polit- in the armed conflict. The withdrawal of important income sources for migrants not icized, with the wave of political elections the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de integrated in the formal economy. and struggles between parties, especially Colombia—Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) for Colombia and Venezuela where Geneva from the areas they controlled triggered What were the regional achieve- Call engages several stakeholders. The con- competition for the control of territory ments? flict is moving fast, with new alliances and and for illegal economic activities leading large level of power fights to control areas. to a reconfiguration of ANSAs. Geneva Call continued to strengthen its Geneva Call has strived to work transpar- presence in the region while maintain- ently and locally in pursuit of its mandate. There is an increasing trend in armed vi- ing and consolidating its long-term en- This approach has so far enabled Geneva olence and IHL and IHRL violations with gagement with ANSAs and other actors Call to operate, opening the path of direct social leaders and human right activists within Colombia. The Venezuelan crisis engagement and relationship building with being killed. Most of these killings are not and regional migration have led to double appropriate groups and stakeholders. © CICR – Aguilera, Laura • partners Strengthened capacities of operational achievements in 2020? Call’s Geneva of impact the was What Colombia ANNUAL REPORT 2020 CALL GENEVA of discussion around IHL. space a first providing media, social via reached more than 1.6 million people campaign 2019,In similar a finalized. is campaign 2021, the in once analyzed be will results The added. was mission cal component on the protection of medi specific a and 2020, of end the at context local the to Spanish in adapted was paign cam Killer” Not “Fighter COVID-19. The during healthcare and violence, of acts especiallycivilians, campaigns linked to of protection the on a focus with paigns intensivelaunched cam communication and intervention a community-centered outlined Call 2019, in Geneva conducted Building on a recent internal evaluation

- - - • engagement due to global pandemic Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian quarter of 2021. of quarter be implemented mainly during the first the of Ministry Health; the activities will A specific approach was preparedwith with and IHL norms. humanitarian in-line on the protection of the mission medical focused campaign and work Call’s neva Ge Colombia, in conflict ongoing the as well as it, to associated violence of level the and crisis, COVID-19 the of impact ed at the end of 2020. Considering the was andcampaign disseminat launched 19 a relevant pandemic, communication the COVID- of effects to the response In

- -

TOTAL • context? this in face What challenges did Geneva Call Expenditure be canceled or postponed. postponed. or canceled be to had activities field the of most fore, There strict. extremely and long was pandemic, the confinement in Colombia COVID-19 the of because Moreover, try. bureaucratic procedures in the coun long and confinement strict the to due long was process the achieved, was result its registration in the while country: the During 2020, Geneva Call finally obtained 688 65 CHF 34 - -

Near and Middle East (NAME) Near and Middle East: regional approach - Regional Support Unit

What was the conflict situation in the region, targeted countries?

The Near and Middle East (NAME) region © Geneva Call has seen COVID-19 lockdowns since early 2020. Reports on fatalities are unreliable. Accompanying economic collapse has particularly hit Syria and Lebanon. Intense conflict in several countries in early 2020 generally decreased in the second half. A fragile status quo could be upended by the new US administration.

Syria In Syria, following a rapid extension of the Iraq Turkish areas of control in early 2020 and a temporary retreat of US forces allowing for Government of Syria/Government of Russia expansion, the conflict has temporarily sta- bilized into smaller scale crossline attacks.

Yemen In Iraq, internal tensions have escalated between pro-Sistani and Iranian backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) militias. Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Peshmerga attempts to consolidate their control resulted in tensions with other key de facto armed groups, increasing the relevance What were the regional achieve- What has Geneva Call done in the re- of Geneva Call’s engagement. Meanwhile, ments? gion/targeted countries to ensure an small scale operations continue in both ongoing conflict sensitive approach? Syria and Iraq against ISIS remnants. Hard-to-reach armed actors were engaged on humanitarian norms in Yemen and Syria, The highly politicized and fractured regional In Yemen, many frontlines remained ac- increasing the scope of engagement with context in the Near and Middle East region tive throughout the year with the conflict key armed actors of the region. requires a particular sensitivity while ad- intensifying at times in Marib, and Abyan. dressing the conflict consequences. Geneva As progress in the implementation of the The support for the newly created “Unilat- Call has been working with a local presence Riyadh Agreement, a unity government eral Declaration on Humanitarian Access” in a transparent manner, allowing its teams consisting of representation of the South- underlines the importance of this thematic to operate effectively thus far. In addition, ern Transitional Council (STC) and the In- across the region. Access for humanitarian Geneva Call has increased its direct engage- ternationally Recognized Government of service delivery was negotiated with ANSAs ment with States across the region. While Yemen (IRG) was formed in December 2020. in both Yemen and Iraq. this has focused on ensuring Geneva Call’s However, upon the arrival of the new gov- access to ANSAs, engagement strategies ernment to Aden, three missiles targeted The COVID-19 responses across the region also call on Geneva Call to address the Aden airport soon after the plane landed included Geneva Call facilitated information responsibilities of states towards the IHL resulting in death, injury, and destruction campaigns carried out by armed groups, obligations of ANSAs that they support. of the airport. increased focus on protection of the medical mission, and ensuring ANSAs did not Broader engagement on the Women Peace restrict humanitarian access due to COV- and Security thematic area is being looked ID-19 restrictions. into as a focus of work in Yemen. • partners Strengthened capacities of operational • Expanded range of armed actors engaged • Policy changes within ANSAs achievements in 2020? Call’s Geneva of impact the was What Iraq ANNUAL REPORT 2020 CALL GENEVA • Facilitated humanitarian access with a local Yazidi organization. organization. Yazidi alocal with partnership in Sinjar, in launched was tion & educa children of protection the and capacities CBO local increase to project protection Awork. community-based strengthening the “Friends of IHL” net violations committed by armed actors, report and track monitor, to CSOs evant rel with work its reinforced Call Geneva declaration on protection of healthcare. unilateral of signing by COVID-19 during towards the protection of healthcare their commitment and responsibility affirmed groups the result, a As PMF. of brigade from the Commissionti-tanks and Jund an Al-Imamand, as Al-Nujaba, armed actors suchwith hard-to-reach Geneva Call expanded the engagement concern. of as are the reached assistance therefore, to the humanitarian organizations and, granted was access groups, armed the the issue. After lengthy discussions with address to UNHCR by approached was Call Geneva groups, armed by posed access difficultiesand im restrictions Following organizations’ humanitarian and protection of IDPs. larations on the protection of healthcare commitment by signing unilateral dec ligious leaders publiclytheir affirmed re Sunni and actors 6armed a result, Internally Displaced People (IDPs). As as well as vulnerable populations and facilities/infrastructure transportation, protection of healthcare personnel, to leadership ensure the with ANSAs’ Geneva Call intensifiedthe engagement ------

• communities Strengthened capacities of affected • engagement due to global pandemic Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian 100 000 persons leaving in the area. area. the in leaving persons 000 100 under their control benefiting around & sterilization of public places in areas such as initiating campaigns of fumigation measures preventive took Iraq, in groups minimize several of pandemic, the risks to how on actors armed relevant with engagement Call’s Geneva of aresult As elsewhere. resettle to IDPs led which closures camp of aftermath the in IDPs of protection the about tion from Mosul signed a unilateral declara group (ISg)to Qayarah. Religious leaders State Islamic the of families as sociated as allegedly IDPs, the of return safe of gaged to issues identify and mechanisms en were Qayarah from leaders Tribal - - - TOTAL • • context? this in face What challenges did Geneva Call Expenditure the participants. izing initial small group with sessions the and workshops training and organ reducing in the number of participants by accordingly adapt to tried Call Geneva wasstriction another challenge initially. re COVID-19 to due engagement Online camps. the outside and inside both IDPs vulnerable especially populations the protection of healthcare workers and ofcategories tobeneficiaries enhance to encourage armed actors and other when possible, Geneva mobilized Call and where However, concern. of tions loca specific to staff of movement the restricted it 2020 as in Call Geneva by faced challenges of list the tops Covid-19 835 690 CHF 38 - - -

© Geneva Call 39 • populations affected on impact Direct achievements in 2020? Call’s Geneva of impact the was What • Syria Olive Branch and Peace Spring areas. areas. Spring Peace and Branch Olive Shield, Euphrates i.e., faction, SNA by solve disputes in all 3 regions controlled The committee helped re also residents. from royalties as force by took factions the owners, including money that some to property and rights return to work Reform” resulting in Afrin, in increased working on “Redressing Grievances and livered training for internal its committee de SNA the 2020, October in Moreover, againstlations civilians. vio of number the in adecrease to led during Peace which Operations, Spring andviolations punish the perpetrators special committee to track and monitor Syrian National Army established (SNA) a the (NWS), Syria West North in leadership ANSAs of reach Call’s Geneva to Thanks - - - • Policy changes within ANSAs • documents. final the issuing and texts original the of amendment the legal leading & documentation support, to necessary the provided team Call’s Geneva ing the spread of COVID-19. of spread the ing of and healthcare cooperating in limit Unilateral Declarations confirmedtheir commitment bysigning nine active and publicly influentialANSAs toThanks Geneva Call’s intervention, • • changing their internal policies: several groups took concrete steps in NWS, in work Call’s Geneva of a result As

Ahrar alSham issuedAhrar “A alSham mandatory “The Moral Guidance Directorate” of of Directorate” Guidance Moral “The rior”. note about the behavior of the war duct. Con of Code new its revised SNA the on the protection - - - TOTAL Expenditure • • context? this in face What challenges did Geneva Call • engagement due to global pandemic Adaptation of Geneva Call’s humanitarian • • the signature of Deeds. fielddelaying visits, staff trainingsand local movement restrictions preventing with Syria, in access Call’s Geneva on pact Also, the pandemic had a significant im tocapacity move and conduct activities. teams field the on impact inevitable an had This Deir-Ez-Zor. Eastern and Camp Al-Hol as such places in tensions tribal rated situation and the security increased frontlines as well as insecurity, deterio renewed in clashes Tal Tamer-Ein Issa DeviceExplosive detonations, (UVIED) Improvised Vehicle Under and (VBIED) Improvised Device Explosive hicle-borne of Improvised Device Explosive (IED), Ve use repeated obstacle: an be to proved situationThe deteriorating security munity. ordination with the com humanitarian co and ANSAs different with gagement en NWS, in access sustainable ensure to is a complex process but important very The registration of Geneva Call in Turkey 19. COVID of impact the and spread the control, totories prevent under ANSAs terri in living civilians the for dertaken un were measures several Raqqa), and various regions Derek, (Hasaka, Qamishli in and paramedics persons, medical ties, local authori civilian paigns for ANSAs, neva Call’s cam training and advocacy Ge to thanks (NES), Syria East North In of the epidemic. izations’ work, which curbed the spread and facilitating the humanitarian organ distributing protectionquarters, masks, consisting of sterilizing and tents head groups undertook concrete activities, armed above-mentioned the NWS, In GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA 427 CHF 305 ------GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 40 41 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Yemen Policy and Legal Unit

What was the impact of Geneva Call’s • In addition, following reports on the tar- • Geneva Call became the only NGO able to In coordination and with the contributions achievements in 2020? geting of migrants in transit by forces interact with such a wide range of armed and support of the regional legal and policy aligned to the STC, the STC leadership actors in Yemen. In Sanaa, through IHL officers, the PLU team continued during

Policy changes within ANSAs undertook to address such concerns as training and Training of Trainers (TOT), 2020 to enhance staff development and © Geneva Call a result of Geneva Call’s engagement Geneva Call managed to reach influen- continuous learning. It provided day-to-day • Geneva Call’s engagement with the lead- with them. tial figures in the security apparatus, support to operations, including method- ership of the Southern Transitional Coun- prosecution, and military judges. The ological advice on ANSA engagement and cil (STC) led to securing an agreement Expanded range of ANSAs and de facto impact of this intervention has elevat- legal input for new thematic topics, such as to engage on the implementation of the authorities engaged ed the acceptance of Geneva Call and its the protection of the environment, or short Deeds previously signed. STC leadership messages with important actors in the articles on drones, COVID-19 screening has initially shown some reluctance to • Geneva Call managed to deepen the Houthi de facto authorities. post and transitional justice. engage with Geneva Call, primarily for engagement with the Houthis which fear of implicating its leadership in legal allowed to transmit IHL messages in ra- What challenges did Geneva Call The PLU also completed the development accountability. However, the deep level dio progammes across the Houthi con- face in this context? of a series of new educational and training of engagement helped to ease concerns trolled areas. tools on the protection of health care, and obtain commitment from the STC to • The challenges in Yemen range from displaced persons and cultural property proceed to the policy and implementa- • While the COVID-19 measures brought red tape by both MOPIC South and the in armed conflict. For each thematic, a tion levels, e.g., concrete measures taken new levels of challenges, the organiza- SCAMCHA in the North. These impedi- new booklet with engaging visuals and by establishing a screening mechanism tion continued to deliver its programme ments are both political in nature and clear messages has been produced, in on the age of recruitment within their for hard to engage forces such as the also part of the closing of civic space. consultation with relevant stakeholders. internal system. Thunderstorm Brigade in Aden, Elite Geneva Call’s interventions are naturally In addition, video clips have been created Forces in Hadramout, security forces in very sensitive and this brings an added as part of Geneva Call’s Fighter not Killer Facilitated humanitarian access Hadramout Valley, as well as forces in complication beyond what other INGOs campaign, promoting international hu- al Mahra. This is the first time Geneva face in the country. Some of these im- manitarian norms through social media, • Following Geneva Call’s engagement with Call has reached politically important pediments include a directive to seek TV, radio, etc. Immersive, scenario-based STC during the “self-administration” pe- governorates of Hadramout, Shabwa, prior approval from the authorities be- videos to be used for training with ANSAs riod, STC agreed to exempt humanitari- Socotra and al Mahra. fore conducting workshops. Another were also produced. an organizations from the application of challenge was COVID-19 where delays the curfew rules it imposed during the experienced in the implementation of A major event in 2020 was the Garance contributed guidance on how to manage Throughout the year, the PLU continued onset of the pandemic in Aden. the programme activities. Talks session held in February on the topic counterterrorism risks when engaging to represent Geneva Call in various expert of the conduct of hostilities (see page 10 with ANSAs that may be designated “ter- meetings and liaise with relevant stakehold- for more detailed information). The meet- rorist groups” for the new NRC “Toolkit for ers, notably OCHA, UNHCR, WHO, ICRC, ing brought together experts and four Principled Humanitarian Action: Managing MSF, Blue Shield International, Smithso- ANSAs from around the globe to address Counterterrorism risks”. nian Cultural Rescue Initiative, Save the the challenges faced by the latter when Children, Watchlist and ICBL. The latest attempting to comply with IHL rules, in As in 2019, the PLU delivered this year a report of the UN Secretary-General on the particular distinction, proportionality and 2-days thematic workshop on engaging Protection of civilians in armed conflict, precaution. ANSAs for humanitarian protection, in dated of 6 May 2020, stresses again the collaboration with the International As- importance of “principled, sustained and Throughout the year, Geneva Call contin- sociation of Professionals in Humanitarian strategic engagement” with ANSAs for ued to collect and analyse data on ANSAs’ Assistance and Protection (PHAP). Twenty strengthening their respect for IHL.” practice and interpretation of IHL as part mid- and senior level staff of UN agencies, of a unique research project conducted in the ICRC, international and local NGOs Moreover, in defence of the humanitarian collaboration with the Geneva Academy and government agencies attended. The space, Geneva Call, together with the of International Humanitarian Law and workshop, which combined lectures with Swiss Red Cross, MSF Switzerland and Human Rights, the American University roles playing, exercises and group discus- other organizations, successfully advo- in Cairo, the Global IHL Centre of Diakonia sions, reviewed the international legal cated for an exemption for humanitarian and NRC (see previous chapters for more framework applicable to non-international services in the new Swiss law criminaliz- detailed information). armed conflicts and the normative basis for ing support to “terrorist organizations”, humanitarian engagement with ANSAs. It adopted by federal parliament on 25 In February, the PLU was commissioned also addressed key concepts, methods and September. by NRC to provide expert support to the challenges associated with engaging with development of its own ANSA engage- ANSAs on protection issues. In addition Expenditure ment policy. The policy aims to provide to Geneva Call, speakers from the ICRC clear guidance to staff and articulate the and the UN Assistance Mission in Afghan- CHF organization’s support for principled en- istan (UNAMA) shared their approach and TOTAL 1 165 778

Communication Human Resources

2020 marked the 20th anniversary of Ge- • In October, a virtual roundtable was or- The Covid-19 pandemic also meant that One of the key challenges of 2020 was As Geneva Call strengthens and deepens its line with international NGO norms, online neva Call and external communication was ganized in Brussels hosted by the Ger- much communication needed to be readapt- evidently the response to the Covid-19 pan- field operations and continues transferring training on anti-corruption practices and adapted to reflect this key milestone, within man representation and with the heads ed to the situation and intense support was demic from a human resources perspective. roles and responsibilities to existing field policies as well as sexual harassment pre- the constraints imposed by the global of ECHO, DEVCO and FPI EU divisions and provided throughout the organization in A special task force was set up to review offices, it has had to increase the staff num- vention was made mandatory for all staff. pandemic. Specific logos were developed Geneva Call. Also marking Geneva Call’s the production and communication of key the ongoing evolution, the recommend- bers in the field in line with its budgeted and used on all external communication 20th anniversary the theme of the round- Covid-19 response positioning documents, ed responses, and imposed restrictions. projections. Despite the challenges of a In parallel to the efforts on recruitment, throughout 2020. table was “Armed Non-State Actors and as well as supporting the production of Appropriate measures were put in place humanitarian sector which competes for a review and implementation of a post the Humanitarian-Development-Peace operational communication and training and respected in line with the local law to the same limited resources, Geneva Call tracking process has enabled Geneva Call • In February, an event was held at the nexus: Why and how to engage”. materials and the ANSA Covid Response protect employees in their work activities has seen strong interest in the number to improve its management of recruitment Martin Bodmer Foundation in Geneva Monitor previously mentioned. and also ensure operational continuity. of applications it receives for advertised costs and ensure better alignment between during its “War & Peace” exhibition. Key In order to better equip field offices in A wellbeing survey was implemented to positions, demonstrating its attractiveness the finance units, the HR units and the Geneva based contacts were invited to their own communication efforts, there has evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on staff for prospective applicants. There has been tracking against budget. a presentation entitled “20 years of hu- been an ongoing exercise of updating the and integrate feedback in the measures 39 staff recruited for field positions and 3 manitarian engagement with ANSAs”. organization’s communication toolkit and taken. An additional survey on remote at HQ during 2020. Supporting this influx, In 2020 Geneva Call has initiated a project induction documents relating to communi- working was carried out to review and the induction process has been improved, to implement a human resources enterprise • During the second week of September cation guidelines, notably on social media. optimize the adapted working conditions ensuring that tools are developed and resource planning (ERP) system for 2021. the Mont Blanc Bridge flew the Gene- and facilities. These complemented the deployed through the HR staff for proper The tool has been specified to address va Call Flags and a reception was held newly implemented ongoing annual staff on-boarding and that every employee ac- identified staff needs which can be better with key dignitaries from Switzerland, satisfaction and development survey. quires the necessary knowledge of work served by systemized processes freeing donor countries and partner organiza- policies and regulations. For example, in up HR resources for other key priorities. tions attending.

Administration and Finance

Geneva Call has a continual improvement • Board approved budget is available in Oc- process in place to strengthen its internal tober in advance of implementation year control systems (ICS) and keep pace with best practice standards. Expenditure sys- • Recruitment of a dedicated budget of- tems and processes are an important part ficer of financial management execution. It is important to have policies, procedures • Integration of planning and budgeting and internal control systems to monitor processes expenditure against approved work plans and budgets, checking to ensure value for • Budgets are integrated with program- money is achieved with a system that sup- matic and financial results ports timely recording and safeguarding of records. Several policies were upgrad- • Budgets are developed on an activity ed and introduced during 2020, such as basis and adopt a bottom-up approach Delegation of Authority for all decisions committing the organization to legal or • Disbursement requests supported by financial obligations, budget management cash forecasts completed correctly and and control policies, as well as travel and submitted inside agreed timelines cash management. In addition, a global finance survey was launched to identify • Budget Committee screens and approves issues and seek feedback from field offices. any increase in Board approved budgets

Geneva Call uses clear indicators to monitor improvements in budgeting and forecast- ing through the following that have been

specifically progressed in 2020: © Geneva Call GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 44 45 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Financial Report

Geneva Call’s full financial statements, Expenditure (CHF) Operating Expenditures including the auditors’ report, can be found on www.genevacall.org/documents/. Annual Report 2020 8 000 000

Africa DRC 269 789 7 000000 Libya 447 483 Mali 381 518 6 000000 South Sudan 597 372

TOTAL AFRICA 1 696 162 5 000000

4 000000 NAME Iraq 690 835 Lebanon 5 257 3 000000 Syria 427 305

Yemen 1 165 778 2 000000 TOTAL NAME 2 289 175

1 000000

Latin America Colombia 65 688 0 TOTAL LATIN AMERICA 65 688 AFRICA NAME LATIN AMERICA ASIA/EUROPE POLICY & LEGAL UNIT OPERATIONS TOTAL PROGRAMME TOTAL SUPPORT DIRECTION

Asia/Europe Armenia 13 940 Afghanistan 545 365 Myanmar 569 484 Pakistan 187 515 Philippines 276 333 Thailand 102 855 Expenditure Ukraine 354 203 Programme Comparison 2019/2020 TOTAL ASIA/EUROPE 2 049 694 3 500 000 18% 82%

Programme Support Policy & Legal Unit 542 511 2019 2020 3 000 000 Operations Direction 441 565 TOTAL PROGRAMME SUPPORT 984 076 2 500 000

PROGRAMME EXPENDITURES 7 084 794 2 000 000 ADMINISTATION/SUPPORT EXPENDITURES 1 587 120

1 500 000 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES 8 671 914

1 000 000

500 000

0 PROGRAMME EXPENDITURES DRC IRAQ MALI LIBYE SYRIA YEMEN UKRAINE

SUPPORT EXPENDITURES ARMENIA LEBANON PAKISTAN THAILAND MYANMAR COLOMBIA TOTAL ASIA PHILIPPINES TOTAL NAME TOTAL AFRICA SOUTH SUDAN SOUTH AFGHANISTAN NAME REGIONAL NAME AFRICA REGIONAL REGIONAL AFRICA EURASIA REGIONAL EURASIA TOTAL LATIN AMERICA GENEVA CALL ANNUAL REPORT 2020 46 47 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 GENEVA CALL

Balance sheet (CHF) Statement of operations (CHF)

2020 2019 2020 2019

Cash and cash equivalent 1 706 931 941 726 CONTRIBUTIONS Receivables from donors 775 400 1 050 863 Contributions received from private foundations/donors Other receivables 301 569 372 704 - restricted – 1 000 000 Prepayments and accrued income 131 112 74 112 - unrestricted 1 059 80 327 CURRENT ASSETS 2 915 012 2 439 405 Contributions received from public authorities/ non-governmental organization Fixed assets 4 920 22 193 - restricted 5 704 138 6 951 442 NON-CURRENT ASSETS 4 920 22 193 - unrestricted 3 187 813 – Other contributions unrestricted 454 319 367 461 TOTAL ASSETS 2 919 932 2 461 598 TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS 9 347 329 8 399 229 Payables due to suppliers of goods and services 365 223 419 475 Other liabilities 175 835 448 390 OPERATING EXPENDITURES 8 671 914 8 826 831 Accrued expenses 97 746 40 536 Direct expenditures 7 084 794 6 988 496 CURRENT LIABILITIES 638 804 908 401 Support expenditures 1 587 120 1 838 335

OPERATING FUNDS 1 816 273 1 788 005 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES 8 671 914 8 826 831 Organisational fund balances ALLOCATION/USE OF FUNDS -28 26 8 567 173 – Initial unrestricted funds 50 000 50 000 – Net surplus/(Deficit) -134 809 -286 730 OPERATING RESULT 647 147 139 571 – Surplus/(Deficit) for the year 549 664 1922 TOTAL ORGANISATIONAL FUND BALANCES 464 855 -234 808 FINANCIAL RESULT 111 549 105 029 Financial expenses 25 092 22 315 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND ORGANISATIONAL FUND BALANCES 2 919 932 2 461 598 Financial income 31 6 Net exchange loss/(gain) 86 488 82 720

EXCEPTIONAL RESULT 14 067 -32 620 Prior years income 50 372 – Prior years expenses 36 305 32 620

RESULT OF THE YEAR 549 664 1 922

Evolution of income since 2011 (CHF) Sources of funding

10 000 000 9 347 329 5% 9 000 000 34% 8 399 229 8 350 454 8 000 000

7 000 000

6 000 000 5 707 442 5 489 408 5 000 000

3 855 267 UNRESTRICTED DONATIONS 4 000 000 3 936 443 3 437 950 3 599 628 RESTRICTED CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PUBLIC AUTHORITIES 3 000 000 2 492 518 UNRESTRICTED CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PUBLIC AUTHORITIES 2 000 000

1 000 000

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

61% to field activities. field to dedicated be to resources more allowing reduces therebyalso administrative costs, Itand human resources commitments. planning to overall aid a is significant this as guaranteed funding, seeks multi-year particularly Call Geneva this, To address Call. Geneva for challenge a continuous Finding new financial resources represents us Support Liechtenstein. The government of Nor GICHD), the (through Trade), Italy and of Foreign Affairs (Department Australia Thematic The donors: governments of Geneva. of Division) and (Human the Security City ment Cooperation Agency), Switzerland Sweden (Swedish International Develop Norway, of governments Core The donors: including: partners, and donors its from receives it support gratitude for the particular expresses its fundamental to Geneva operations. its Call All of three funding areoperations. types covering the and thematic geographical ic funding and targeted project funding sections), loosely earmarked global themat ment functions highlighted in the previous and specificallythe support and manage the overall functioning of the organization unearmarked core funding (which enables Geneva Call receives a combination of protection of civilians. the improve to order in actors, non-State respect of humanitarian norms by armed the strengthen to endeavours it as ners dependent on the commitment of part its contributions, relyingtary on and wholly volun by entirely funded is Call Geneva donors,its supporters and staff Geneva Call is thankful to ANNUAL REPORT 2020 CALL GENEVA ------• Programme donors Protection Department). Commission (Humanitarian Aid and Civil ternational Development), the European and Ireland of (Department Northern In Britain Great of Kingdom United the way, so over the coming years. coming the over so hopes that new donors will consider doing continuing to fund it in this manner and Call wishes to thank current its donors for responsiveness to emerging Geneva needs. the organization greaterand flexibility allows this funding; core of element an donors and those particularly who give its of appreciative greatly is Call Geneva • The governments of Australia (Depart cluding through Danish Church Save Aid, in Aid and Protection Civil Department, The European Commission (Humanitarian Thailand. and in throughland embassy Philippines its Zea New and Myanmar in embassy its for International Development) through (Department Ireland and Northern Britain Myanmar), the United Kingdom of Great Cooperation and through embassy its in and Swiss for Agency Development and Division (HumanSwitzerland Security al Development Cooperation Agency), Norway, Sweden (Swedish Internation in DRC), Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Peacebuilding, and embassy through its Stabilization, Coordination, Multilateral – Policy, International Organizations, Division – S08 Humanitarian Assistance Prevention, Crisis S03 – Division Office: France,land, Germany (Federal Foreign Fin Trade), and Affairs Foreign of ment ------

+41 22 879 94 36 94 879 +41 22 [email protected] Head of Communication and Fundraising Pasche Gregory pleaseFor contact: details, further • Staff • Private support • • Canton of Geneva. and Republic the and Geneva of City The sity. York Univer and Ukraine Hounds Truth children, Search for Common Ground, the Save (NRC), Council Refugee wegian Danish Refugee Council, HD Center Nor (IcSP). Peace and Stability to tributing con Instrument European the (EIDHR), ment for and Democracy Human Rights Refugee Council), the European Instru Refugee CouncilNorwegian and Danish the Children, Save the Children Canada, year of a global pandemic. achieved, especially in this challenging their efforts, dedication and the results for headquarters the in and field the in staff the of all thank to like would Geneva Call’s board and directorate faisance du Groupe Pictet. including Fondation de bien donors, private its to thankful is Call Geneva

48 - - - - -

Board of Trustees (as of 31 Dec 2020)

Jean Keller, Chair

Lorella Bertani, Vice-chair

Doris Pfister, Vice-chair

Hans Isler, Treasurer

Gloria GaggioIi

François Tissot

Ruth-Gaby Vermot-Mangold

Michel Veuthey

Directorate (as of 31 Dec 2020)

Alain Délétroz, Director General

Hichem Khadhraoui, Director of Operations

Linda Ryan, Director of External Relations and Support Services T. +41 22 879 10 50 F. +41 22 879 10 51 E. [email protected]

47, ch. de la Chevillarde, 1224 Chêne-Bougeries Geneva – Switzerland

B appel.de.geneve A genevacall genevacall.org