Helping organisations work together to protect civilians from armed conflict

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 THE CRISIS ACTION MODEL CONTENTS

4 SUMMARY OF IMPACT

Since 2004, Crisis Action has worked with global 5 STATEMENT OF BOARD CHAIR & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR organizations , grassroots movements, politicians, 6 BRINGING PEACE TO faith leaders, celebrities, activists, academics, 10 FIGHTING FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR SYRIANS artists, business people and more to drive action 12 In his own words: Amir Al-Mu’arri, rapper from Idlib that has helped save lives, punish dictatorships, bring war criminals to justice, expose corruption, 14 PROTECTING CIVILIANS AND PROMOTING PEACE IN YEMEN and get aid to millions of civilians. 18 PROMOTING A GLOBAL CEASEFIRE IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

We have found solutions where we were told there were none and demonstrated the power of different stakeholders working together strategically and creatively, with humility 19 A PEOPLE’S COALITION FOR THE SAHEL and focus. Our model has won awards and inspired other organizations, including a new not-for-profit - Digital Action - dedicated to strengthening democratic rights in a digital age, and an innovative collaboration to address climate change – both formed in the Crisis 21 PROTECTING PROTESTORS IN IRAQ

Action mold. lives save Driving that has helped action 22 BOARD Last year, to mark 15 years of Crisis Action, we produced two short films showcasing the work we do and the unique model of collective action. Watch them at: 23 PARTNERS

26 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

27 OUR NETWORK

CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 3 Coalitions and campaigns that have helped drive meaningful change IN SYRIA THESE COALITIONS IN SOUTH SUDAN THESE COALITIONS conflict. in for civilians change meaningful drove ActionIn coordinated months, twelve the Crisis past that coalitions IMPACT OF SUMMARY • • • • • • • • Russian allies. allies. Russian its and government Syrian the by infrastructure civilian and civilians on to attacks end an for calling by casualties civilian in to areduction Contributed briefing. Syria each at it raise to States Members of majority the bringing Council, Security UN the of agenda the up Syria in persons missing and detained unjustly of issue the Elevated activists. and artists with collaboration and media independent for support via civilians, Russian among Syria in war the for support Reduced report. its publicize and crimes war Syria’s into Inquiry of aBoard to form UN the supporting by Syria in crimes war on accountability increase Helped Idlib. of province northeast the in aceasefire to agree Syria in parties warring on pressure putting by civilians Mission. (UN) Nations United the of mandate the of and Sudan South on sanctions targeted and embargo arms an of renewal the Influenced ceremony. awards online asuccessful including tactics, various via table negotiating to the parties warring Pushed strife. civil implementing a peace agreement and ending years of thereby Unity, National of aGovernment to form foes between agreement an about bring Helped Helped prevent the likely massacre of thousands of of thousands of massacre likely the prevent Helped IN AFRICA WEST THESE COALITIONS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 THESE COALITIONS IN YEMEN THESE COALITIONS • • • • • • response will not solely pursue a military solution. amilitary pursue solely not will response government the that signs first the elicit Helped Sahel. the for Coalition’ ‘People’s ever first the form to organizations African West 50 together bringing by region Sahel the from voices society civil Elevated ceasefire. the backing countries 110 Yemen, and and Ukraine, Syria, Sudan, Sudan, South Myanmar, Philippines, the Libya, Colombia, Republic, African Central the Cameroon, including warzones in appeal the backing groups 24 armed to lead helped which initiative, ceasefire a global of support in campaign society acivil Galvanized Representatives. of (US) House States United the by passed Arabia Saudi to and UAE sales arms suspending amendment an and Arabia to Saudi embargo arms aGerman of extension the in resulting Yemen, in use for UAE the and Arabia to Saudi sales arms over governments Western on pressure up Kept 2019.in casualties civilian in fall a significant to contributing infrastructure, civilian and civilians on attacks to cease parties warring the on pressure Put troops. its withdrew (UAE) Emirates Arab United the and aceasefire proposed Arabia Saudi that result the with conflict, to the parties for cost political the Raised

Promoting a Global Ceasefire in response to Covid-19 & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOREXECUTIVE T Chair Board Dr. Neistat Anna impactful. more even Action Crisis make will who leader visionary isa Nicola Officer. Executive Chief next Action’s Crisis be will Reindorp Nicola that delighted We are leadership. caring and strategic Andrew’s of appreciative extremely is board The 2021. March in to Australia home to return Action Crisis to leave decided has Andrew service, of 11 years Chair.almost Board After previous as Tsunga leadership his for Arnold thank and chair board Action’s Crisis as over taken has Anna that delighted We are pandemic. the to survive be, need if used, be can that reserves prudent and year last revenue of levels high record with position financial astrong in is Action Crisis Africa. on focus a with conflict violent in civilians protecting to prioritize China to engage team anew built has Action Crisis that thrilled are like Yemen. We places in most it need that to those aid increasing pandemic, to the directly responded We have pandemic. the during especially channels, digital unusual through frontlines the on women and voices local amplified powerfully has Action Crisis change. driven have that film and music art, of forms various including report this in showcased tactics creative the of proud We are 2020. 2019 to July July from work Action’s Crisis covers report annual This justice. to racial change climate from issues on progress social extraordinary for pressed has streets the in people of mobilization Popular pandemic. the of light in ceasefire aglobal for call Secretary-General’s UN the heeded zones 11 in conflict parties 24 warring finally implemented in South Sudan, ending years of civil strife. strife. civil of years ending Sudan, South in implemented finally was agreement Apeace hope. of glimmers some been have there that us reminds year. cover Yet, front our a depressing been has It levels. to alarming grown has polarization Political to see. all for inequities and inequalities social intolerable bare laid and planet the on everyone affected has pandemic he BOARD CHAIR STATEMENT FROM STATEMENT Executive Director Executive Hudson Andrew CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020

5 Bringing peace to South Sudan embargo renewed UN targeted sanctions and arms JUNE renewed mandate Sudan South in Mission UN MAY the new of National Government Unity establishing of act afirst as installed Cabinet Sudan; South in process peace the undermine to continue measurespunitive for those who toCouncil consider urges partners Security and Peace Union African FEBRUARY the agreement implement peace to Sudan South in leaders of part will on the political lack of sustained inRights the Sudan South observes Human on Commission the of Report JANUARY agreement peace the of conditions fulfilling directive, Presidential following are prison from released detainees, other with along Ajak, Biar Peter JANUARY 2020 extension a100-day to agree and government a of unity establishment for timeline meet to fail Parties NOVEMBER agreement peace 2018 the of implementation discuss leader Riek Machar meet in to Kiir and Salva Opposition President SEPTEMBER 2019 SUDAN SUDAN SOUTH SUDAN SUDAN SOUTH #Mzansi4SouthSudan Monday 19 August 2019, 5 pm SAST / 6 pm EAT /6pm SAST 5pm 2019, 19 August Monday Sudan” South in violence gender-based and sexual “Stop theme the with held was chat A #Mzansi4SouthSudan Oil and Gas LicensingRounds. Sudan from launchingits South Africa tostop South Conference in Power Oil and the venue ofthe Activists protesting outside Alak, Ana Ana Alak, Deng Chol Dr. Ayak Taban Singer, Yvonne ChakaChaka activist Law Law Tull Madonsela Professor Crown the the Crown Riya Yuyada William Woman of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict in Violence Sexual on Secretary-General the of UN Special Representative Patten, Pramila dimensions. and the ofdrivers the gender conflict underlying the both addressing in proven violence has critical of sexual civil and survivors society Sudanese amplifying the voices of South years in South its work Sudan, Action over six theof Crisis past Amongst the numerous achievements targeted sanctions regime on South Sudan. targetedSouth sanctionsregime on Council renewing thearmsembargoSecurity and UN The youngest country. country. youngest world’s the for future apeaceful promote and to demand accountability, insist on inclusion groups Sudanese South with to work process an enormous and privilege an enriching learning been has It years. past the over in involved been has Action Crisis campaigning the of aspect positive aparticularly been has negotiations peace the in society civil Sudanese South of Indeed, the increasing and participation influence breakthrough. the achieving in key role their – acknowledging to light’ peace this to bring nights ‘sleepless their for society civil thanked Machar Riek President Vice First ceremony, the at speech his In 2018. the peace agreement signed in September implementing in, sworn was rivals, former of new South Sudanese government, comprised BREAKTHROUGH DEAL CIVIL SOCIETY HELPS ACHIEVE UN Security Council delegation to South Sudan Sudan to South delegation Council Security UN a co-led Africa South followed, that months the to address sexual and gender-based violence. In them to get Sudan South of government the with influence his use and conflict the on engagement urged President Ramaphosa Cyril to increase a petition people; million nine over reached and Johannesburg in trended campaign the artists, and lawyers activists, African South highWith profile including participants, Africa). South for name informal an is (Mzansi #Mzansi4SouthSudan hashtag the under campaign media asocial launched Action Crisis Mobi, Amandla organization, advocacy violence. In collaboration with a community this to stop need to the attention to draw there partners with worked Action Crisis leaders, Sudan’s South with play could Africa South role important the 2019, recognizing August In Sudan, often ignored or denied by key actors. South in conflict civil the of element awful an Sexual and gender-based violence has been VOICES FORE WOMEN’S TO THE A this year. 2020, a In February Sudan to South came future abrighter of prospects the suffering, unnecessary much and dawns, several false conflict, civil of years 7 fter CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 7 #SpoilersOfPeaceAwards and also identified South Sudan as one of the TOTAL ATTACKS IN SOUTH SUDAN two conflicts it would prioritize during its tenure as the 2020 African Union (AU) Chair which it did 200 497 WINNER by playing an active and constructive role in the formation of the new government. 100

‘SPOILERS OF PEACE’ 0 In order to press for the formation of the new 2018 2019 government, Crisis Action helped coordinate Crisis Action unites civil An infographic showing the decrease of violent events the innovative and influential ‘Spoilers of Peace in South Sudan following the signing of the “revitalized” society like no-one else can. Awards’ with our partners Africa Atrocities peace agreement in September 2018 Watch, Carrot Co., and social media influencer They enable organizations Wanjiku Revolution. Based loosely on the to co-create collective Academy Awards, the aim was to increase public UN MISSION, ARMS EMBARGO AND SALVA KIIR MAYARDIT pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to implement SANCTIONS RENEWED President of South Sudan strategies that are both the peace agreement. In early March 2020, Crisis Action facilitated TOP OVERALL creative and impactful. The launch in early January reached an a briefing of the UN Security Council by Betty estimated 3.5 million people via traditional Sunday, a member of the South Sudan Women’s SPOILER OF PEACE AWARD Dismas Nkunda and social media, with coverage appearing in Coalition. Betty advised the UN on how to engage In recognition of the South Sudan elite for Executive Director of Atrocities Watch Africa influential regional titles including The East with the new government to support peace and failing to make peace for their people… African, The Reporter and South Africa’s Mail security. Following the briefing, the Security & Guardian, along with op-eds by influential Council unanimously renewed the UN Mission in As President, Kiir played a leading role in causing widespread suffering to the voices. Members of the public were invited South Sudan for another year. A senior UN Security South Sudanese people. Under Kiir’s command and control, government- to submit nominations for different award Council diplomat told Crisis Action, “Betty’s briefing backed armed forces have committed ethnically motivated violence, looted and categories, and these were vetted by a panel of had a direct and positive impact on negotiations”. razed villages, committed systemic and brutal rape, and killed thousands. Kiir eminent Pan-African judges. has demonstrated an unwillingness to compromise on major elements required A few months after the new government was to form a transitional government. Kiir and his network, including family and Salva Kiir, President of South In parallel, Crisis Action coordinated private and formed, Crisis Action facilitated advocacy that business partners, continue to profit from the instability he has helped fuel, Sudan, named the Top Spoiler public advocacy to complement the publicity resulted in the renewal of the UN arms embargo while the people of South Sudan are left to suffer from inept leadership. of Peace in South Sudan in generated by the awards, including meetings and targeted sanctions. We organized several joint February 2020. for South Sudanese civil society with the AU initiatives ahead of the vote to persuade undecided and diplomats in Juba, a private letter from the countries to support renewal. These included South Bringing Sudan peace to South awards judges to key policymakers, and a paper Sudanese civil society engagement with Security for policymakers with recommendations on how Council members, private advocacy by eminent governments could enact pressure on key actors African leaders, and media and social media work by to implement the peace agreement. The Elders, regional civil society leaders, and others.

On February 10, President Salva Kiir was Crisis Action has now ended its campaign on South named Top Spoiler of Peace. His spokesperson Sudan as the primary objectives were achieved: dismissed the award as ‘nonsense’, however, namely a peace deal signed, and a new government just one week later the President announced a formed. We are confident that the civil society major compromise in the negotiations, which organizations continuing to work on South Sudan paved the way for the formation of the unity are well-coordinated and have a clear strategy, not government. Senior diplomatic sources told us least because a Crisis Action-convened session in that the awards made immediate news among March for 25 South Sudanese organizations and diplomats in Juba and were influential with the international NGOs resulted in a blueprint outlining key players. their joint advocacy priorities for the first year of the transitional government.

Betty Sunday, a member of the South Sudan Women’s Coalition, briefing the UN Security Council alongside David Shearer, Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan. CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 9 Fighting for a better future for Syrians Inquiry to report on detainees to report Inquiry mandating a UN Commission of on resolution Syria, breakthrough a adopts Council Rights Human JULY rise exponentially to Covid-19reconstruction; cases start Syria supporting company or government any international and threatening regime individuals Syrian on sanctions placing US, the in force into comes Law “Caesar” JUNE Syria northeast in camps and refugee hospitals, responsible on schools, for attacks probably are allies its /or and Syria of government says Inquiry of Board UN APRIL displaced million two people that fighting of months after Idlib, in aceasefire to agree Turkey and Russia MARCH renewed for 6partially months aid border cross on resolution UN JANUARY 2020 invasion aTurkish sparked which region, the decision to withdraw troops from Trump’s President of aresult as Syria in escalates Violence northeast OCTOBER 2019 SYRIA SYRIA Photo by read Feature Images China/Barcroft Getty Media/ Syria. Idlib, al-Haq inadamaged house in Abd Rami Syrian artist Syrian childvisits an exhibition setupby A Director, Conflict Analysis and Prevention Center Prevention and Analysis Conflict Director, Sokirianskaia Ekatarina beforerarely in been Russia possible the EU and beyond -in ways that have Turkey, Russia, -from activists Syria, collaborations like-minded between they arecivilians in enabling Syria, of protectingand creative means civil to society exploreRussian new Action not only is motivating Crisis

Russia and the Syrian government tostopbombinghospitals. Russia andthe Op-Ed by WaadAn al-Kateab,Sama, callingon For co-director of O Russian government has been playing. playing. been has government Russian the role the and conflict the of understanding domestic to enhance society civil and media a press conference by prominent Members of of Members prominent by conference a press call), this made had representatives elected time first (the civilians on attacks to end failed they sanctions on senior Russian political figures if to impose them urging NATO State and of Heads to European Parliament European the of members from letter a included This to aceasefire. agree to parties warring the persuade and civilians on attacks to stop advocacy urgent coordinated Action Crisis partners, NGO with Working law. international of violation in bombed, frequently were facilities medical other and hospitals Schools, the border, intensified the danger forcivilians. near troops Russian and Turkish between fighting with along Idlib, in forces Syrian and Russian by hostilities of a year. 2019, escalation an late In over for fighting the of much of focus the been has Idlib of province north-west the territory, most of control regaining government Syrian the With IDLIB IN AMASSACRE PREVENTING working with independent Russian and individuals; detained unjustly of release the on progress spurring in Idlib; escalation a military averting on focused Syria on work Action’s year, Crisis past the ver at the time of writing. writing. of time the at held still which Idlib, in ceasefire to a Turkey agreed Russia and breakthrough, amajor in March, In in Russia. film the of screening first-ever the supported also Action Crisis of hospitals. targeting to the end an for UN the outside made she appeal an covered media other and Times York New The in op-ed an wrote al-Kateab Waad director The Idlib. in situation the about out to speak For Sama, documentary, Oscar-shortlisted the of makers the supported also Action Crisis campaign. twitter aglobal and letter, this of back the off Parliament European the in Parliament European the CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 11 AIRSTRIKES ON SYRIA 700 2,745 AMIRAMIR ‘AL-MUARRI’‘AL-MUARRI’ 600 RAPPER FROM IDLIB, SYRIA 500 400 “For all the bombs and violence, 300 one of our biggest fears in Idlib is 200 100 simply being forgotten. The media 0 AUG 19 SEP 19 OCT 19 NOV 19 DEC 19 JAN 20 FEB 20 MAR 20 APR 20 MAY 20 JUN 20 JUL 20 are bored of reporting on the daily An infographic showing reduced airstrikes in Syria after the ceasefire between Russia and Turkey in March 2020 death and destruction. But without RAPPERS UNITE AGAINST event enabled a dialogue between civil society in their attention, there will be even DESPOTS the two countries and a show of solidarity via art. It was the first meeting of its kind to take place in less pressure for a solution. A feature of our work in this period Russia. was the use of music and art to create connections across borders and draw Following this meeting, and coverage of it in the The war has been raging since I was 12. I can barely remember Syrian rapper, Amir Al-Mu’arri, pictured in Idlib wider public attention to Russia’s role newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, a series of small peace. I criticized the perpetrators through my music, but I in the Syrian war. In September 2019, demonstrations broke out on the streets of St never thought anything would change. Even when I started Crisis Action supported the launch of a Petersburg, suggesting growing opposition working with Crisis Action, I didn’t expect much. Voices like music video by Idlib-based rapper, Amir to the official Russian narrative on Syria, in mine aren’t usually heard outside Syria. Al-Mu’arri (see profile below). The video part driven by better-informed reporting by demanded an end to the targeting independent Russian journalists, supported by But Crisis Action insisted my song, ‘On All Fronts’, was powerful. They helped me improve the production of civilians in Idlib. It was covered Crisis Action. and make a video with English, Russian, Spanish and Arabic subtitles. Then they let the media know by major media outlets including Al about it. The BBC broadcast the track on one of their biggest radio shows. They said mine was just the Hurra, Al-Araby Al Jadeed, BBC, Der kind of authentic voice they needed to humanize the conflict. Tagesspiegel, and Novaya Gazeta, and PUSHING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY has been viewed over 160,000 times AND THE RELEASE OF INNOCENT From then, things got crazy. For months, the requests kept coming – TV, radio, print, from France, on his personal social media channels, DETAINEES Germany, Turkey, Italy, Sweden and across the Arab world. A Californian record company put out my The rap music video enjoying a reach of millions more across websites “On All Fronts” by Amir song in the US. Millions saw my video, and it was shared by artists, TV presenters, and Hollywood Al-Mu’arri covered by and social channels of others. Crisis Action continued to work closely with superstars. None of this would have happened without Crisis Action. the Russian newspaper Syrian human rights groups and international Fighting for a better future for Syrians future for a better Fighting for Novaya Gazeta. In December, Crisis Action worked with Russian policymakers to push for the release of Then an amazing Russian rapper, Marisol, heard my track and recorded a response denouncing her rapper Marisol, who wanted to respond to detained human rights defenders, urgent government’s conduct in Syria. Crisis Action supported her to make a video too and I was interviewed by Amir by launching her own track expressing access to prisons, information on the fate of independent Russian media and addressed an anti-war rally in St Petersburg. I felt happy to show them solidarity with Syrians affected by the conflict and missing persons, and elevate the issue on the that Syrians aren’t all terrorists, as Putin would have them believe. criticizing the role of the Russian armed forces. international agenda, including via a briefing of The video we helped produce has been viewed the UN Security Council by Wafa Mustafa from Above all, I was heartened to see people in Russia tens of thousands of times across online and Families for Freedom. willing to risk their own livelihoods to show social media and covered by Novaya Gazeta, Al solidarity with ordinary Syrians. For the first Araby Al Jadeed, Al Modon and others. Many And we also supported work on accountability time in my adult life, I feel a glimmer of hope: praised the artists’ bravery in openly criticizing for human rights violations in Idlib. In August that we won’t be forgotten, and the change we their governments. 2019, a UN Board of Inquiry was formed to need will come.” investigate attacks on schools and hospitals Following the release of Marisol’s track, Crisis in Idlib, and in April 2020, in direct response to Action helped organize an ‘Anti-war Syria Talk’ in NGO demands, the Board’s findings were made St Petersburg, hosted by the Soldiers’ Mothers public. The report’s conclusion that it was ‘highly Committee, which was attended by a wide range probable’ that the government of Syria and / or of Russian activists, including Marisol, and which its allies had carried out illegal airstrikes will help Artwork for the limited release cassette with Amir Al-Mu’arri Syrian rapper Amir contributed via video link. The ensure future accountability. and Marisol’s tracksrapper, Amir Al-Mu’arri, pictured in Idlib

CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 13 Protecting civilians and promoting peace in Yemen resume arms sales to Saudi Arabia Arabia Saudi to sales arms resume Representatives; UK announces will it of House US the by passed UAE the and Arabia Saudi to sales missile suspending bomb andAmendment JULY programming its of quarters three nearly close or reduce to have will it warns UN target; of short $1bn over falls conference pledging Humanitarian JUNE fighting in the south renewed to leading control, its under “self-administration” in governorates TransitionalSouthern Council declares APRIL Yemen of operations in parts Houthi-controlled humanitarian for funding suspends its unilaterally The US government MARCH casualties inincrease civilian an to leads Houthis and government Renewed the fightingbetween Yemeni JANUARY 2020 Houthis the way with negotiations for political to pave intended single government, a form to agree Council Transitional Yemeni and Southern government NOVEMBER Yemeni governorates four in airstrikes on apause with reciprocate Saudis Arabia; Saudi into attacks missile and drone on ceasefire a announce unilateral Houthis SEPTEMBER 2019 YEMEN YEMEN Photo Hamoud/Getty by Mohammed Images Sana’a,treatment atahospitalin Yemen. A malnourishedchildholds thefinger ofhisfatherashereceives Strategic Studies Strategic Senior Researcher at Sana’a Center for Al-Iryani Abdulghani Yemen. on focused and kept attention global our voices and our impact, Action’s amplified support has Crisis at the levels. highest to engage international policymakers helped civil groups society like ours Action has Crisis counsel, strategic Through and insight its political

are killing civiliansin Yemen New York’sThe A US madeweapons articledescribinghow I ceasefirenegotiations. in seriously engaged 2019 and late in escalation de- towards steps took Houthis The 2020. April in ceasefire ashort-term proposed and war the to end an seeking to be appeared Arabia Saudi coalition. Saudi-led the in participation its ended 2019 and June in troops its withdrew UAE The calculations. parties’ warring the to shift starting be may war the of costs actual and reputational that evidence was there period the Over committed. crimes for accountability promoting and escalate); Covid-19 needs as saw (especially aid humanitarian Yemen; in use increasing for RAISING THE COST OF THE WAR COST OF THE THE RAISING and peace talks; ending the sale of arms arms of sale the ending talks; peace and aceasefire seeking on action collective focused Action Crisis again. rise them 2020 throughout saw escalation military but years, five for level lowest the at were Yemen in casualties 2019 civilian n late CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 15 CIVILIAN FATALITIES CIMP DUE TO AIR RAIDS IN YEMEN 942 “Yemen:“Yemen: theirtheir story,story, 200

ourour duty”duty” 100

Prime Minister 0 JUL 19 AUG 19 SEP 19 OCT 19 NOV 19 DEC 19 JAN 20 FEB 20 MAR 20 APR 20 MAY 20 JUN 20 JUL 20

An infographic showing the decrease of civilian fatalities due to air raids in Yemen Stop fueling

the war in Yemen COVID EXACERBATES THE only gave just over half of what the UN said HUMANITARIAN CRISIS was needed – resulting in a shortfall of $1bn largely due to under-funding by Gulf states. From early 2020, the extreme challenges of In response, Crisis Action worked with CNN Covid-19 began adding to an already dire on a high-profile story linking Saudi, UAE, British actor Charles Dance, from the humanitarian situation in Yemen, where and US aid shortfalls to the rising famine risk “Yemen: Their Story, Our Duty” video 80% of the population is dependent on in Yemen, and within days of the broadcast, humanitarian aid, and where access to clean Saudi Arabia and Kuwait had announced water cannot be taken for granted. In a terribly more than a quarter-billion dollars in new aid timed move, the US announced plans to contributions. PRESSURE OVER ARMS SALES Arabia and the UAE continued. suspend aid for programs in Houthi-controlled territory. Crisis Action worked with partners Crisis Action worked with partners to put In the US, Crisis Action coordinated to raise the alarm and drove quick media SUPPORTING THE PEACE pressure on western governments to stop engagement with policymakers by a diverse attention, including in The Washington Post, PROCESS AND PROMOTING selling arms to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for coalition, including longstanding partners that generated a backlash by the US Congress ACCOUNTABILITY use in Yemen. We supported the production and new allies. We organized a group of 100 that resulted in a delay to the aid suspension. and dissemination of a video featuring United Christian faith leaders representing all 50 Crisis Action has built and leveraged productive Kingdom (UK) and French celebrities telling the US states to issue a public call to end US As Covid-19 made in-person meetings relationships with key senior UN and government story of a young Yemeni girl whose family was arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. We impossible, Crisis Action also organized officials working on the Yemen peace process, killed in an air strike in 2017. Co-produced with also worked with CNN on an exposé of US virtual briefings on the conflict and helping to push warring parties to negotiate. Yemeni filmmaker Khadija Al-Salami, the piece arms being transferred or lost to Yemeni humanitarian situation in Yemen for the We have offered strategic counsel, supported was watched more than 200,000 times on social militia that was cited by US lawmakers from US House of Representatives’ Middle East briefings for officials and the media, and helped Protecting civilians and promoting peace in Yemen Protecting peace in civilians Yemen and promoting media and widely covered by mainstream media. both parties. Though they were not enacted Subcommittee and the UK’s development and place influential op-eds and articles by leading into law, in July 2019 and July 2020, the foreign offices, helping partners including Yemeni and western voices. We also worked with partners to support and US House of Representatives passed Mwatana, the Sana’a Center, and International promote a mural denouncing French arms amendments suspending arms sales to Crisis Group to speak directly to US and UK Crisis Action has also continued to push for exports by renowned Yemeni street artist Saudi Arabia and the UAE, sending a clear policymakers. accountability and justice for violations in Murad Subay, unveiled in Paris in November message that both countries risked bilateral Yemen. We coordinated a successful campaign 2019. The artwork was accompanied by a consequences for continuing the conflict. Crisis Action also organized Yemeni and by partners in 2019 to secure a renewed and 250,000-signature petition, which passers-by international partners to address a significant strengthened mandate of the UN Group of were invited to add their name to. The unveiling In Germany, Crisis Action helped organize funding shortfall for the humanitarian Experts on Yemen and facilitated meetings for was widely covered by French and international a letter signed by 56 NGOs calling on the response in Yemen. In the run up to a donor partners with Group of Experts members and key media, and followed by a meeting between German government to ban arms exports to conference in June, we set up two well- US and UN officials. Subay, NGOs and President Macron’s advisors. all members of the Saudi/UAE-led coalition. attended telebriefings for Yemeni civil society A French official told us that our work had shifted Later that month, the government extended to speak directly to western policymakers the French perspective on Yemen, although at its moratorium on the sale of weapons to and international journalists, resulting in the time of writing, French arms sales to Saudi Saudi Arabia. influential media coverage. Sadly, donors Murad Subay’s mural resonated across languages and continents. CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 17 Promoting a Global Ceasefire in response to Covid-19 Secretary-General António Guterres, the voices for peace. To raise wemust silence the guns, the across world. resonating appeal is ceasefire global The CEASEFIRE CEASEFIRE GLOBAL GLOBAL a global ceasefire. a global endorsing aresolution passed Council Security delay, the much after 1, July On conflicts. devastating most world’s the of some in violence of de-escalation atemporary in resulting arms, their down to put agreed Yemen, had and Syria Sudan, South including zones, 11in conflict parties and warring 24 ceasefire the supported had 110 call, countries initial the of weeks Within Arabic. CNN to York New Times The from coverage media high-profile global, secured initiatives these ensured Action Crisis media. social on worldwide people million 8.6 over reached #Doves4Peace voices, and the hashtags #GlobalCeasefire and leading other and Pope the by supported was and signatures million 2.2 over garnered Avaaz by apetition backing, campaign’s the With a ceasefire. of support in ministers foreign of anumber and Ki-moon Ban Robinson, Mary from statements powerful timely, to spur partners with worked and countries; 35 from organizations 200 over by signed Union, African the and Council Security to the letters coordinated NGOs; international 130 over for videoconferences two We organized support to mobilize action into sprang immediately W . to the virus; Crisis Action Action Crisis virus; to the respond help to ceasefire aglobal for called General UN Secretary pandemic broke the out, h en the Covid-19 the en

A People’s Coalition for the Sahel SAHEL THE SAHEL THE Chair, African Security Sector Network Bagayoko Niagalé voices to globally. audiences new elevated Action West has Crisis Sahel, African helping to create the People’s Coalition for the too few take makers into decision account. By that aunique expertise and has of the crisis In on the civil the is frontline society Sahel,

Photo by MicheleCattani/AFP/ Images Getty . he ishostedafterfleeinghisvillage incentral A displacedmanholds hisbabyinthehousewhere CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 19 he Sahel region of West Africa faces acute security, governance n October 2019, hundreds of thousands and health crises, which began of protesters took to the streets of to intensify dramatically in 2019. Iraq to demand an end to endemic Repeated mass attacks by corruption. Security forces responded violent extremist groups around with excessive use of force. Between the borders between Mali, Burkina Faso and October 2019 and May 2020, over 2,000 TNiger created a state of panic, forcing hundreds IRAQIRAQ protesters were killed, and 27,000 injured. Crisis of thousands to flee their homes in what has IAction launched a response to stop the violence. become one of the world’s fastest-growing displacement crisis.

The situation threatened to spill over into other countries, and the advent of Covid-19 increased the threat to civilians and regional stability, as did the August 2020 coup in Mali, and killings of humanitarian workers in Niger in the same month. Sahelian governments and their allies have prioritized military action Logo of the “People’s Coalition for the Sahel” depicting the People’s Pillars: Protection, Political Strategy; against violent extremist Aid & Justice. groups, failed to protect civilians, and invested little in addressing Action helped the coalition organize a media the humanitarian and briefing ahead of a key ministerial meeting, with governance problems the result that the media coverage reflected the underlying the crisis. coalition’s views.

On 16 July, we formalized the coalition into CALLING FOR a compelling locally-led peace initiative: the A CHANGE OF ‘People’s Coalition for the Sahel’. It was officially APPROACH: launched during an online event broadcast CATALYSING A live by Crisis Action partner International

NEW LOCALLY-LED Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and viewed in Iraq Protecting protestors PEACE INITIATIVE by thousands of people around the world, including policymakers and dozens of local and In March 2020 Crisis international media outlets, including Le Monde, Action launched a Sahel RFI, Jeune Afrique, the BBC and VOA. emergency response campaign, bringing Crisis Action also helped the People’s Coalition together a diverse coalition to launch the ‘People’s Pillars’ setting out four of about 50 African and priorities – protection, political strategy, aid and A protester in the southern city of Basra, part of blockades to international partners justice – and the Coalition has started to monitor denounce the lack of electricity and services. Prevented from arranging in-person meetings

calling for a change of governments’ response against these pillars. Photo by Hussein Faleh/AFP/Getty Images or activities by the pandemic, Crisis Action strategy. organized a webinar for Iraqi activists to demand There are signs that the message is getting action to halt state security-force brutality. Held Soon after its formation, we through and influencing a shift of focus among the in Arabic, in conjunction with the Iraqi Al-Amal enabled the coalition to brief key players, including France, which has 5,5000 Association, the webinar featured Iraqi speakers policymakers from the US, troops on the ground. Public condemnation of from five governorates and was attended by UK, EU and UN who agreed violence against civilians has increased, and in over 100 people, including journalists from the that a broader response June, in her strongest statement to date, the Financial Times, AFP, the National, and NPR, and was needed that did not French Defense Minister warned that France could Swedish, Dutch, French and US diplomats. just focus on counter- reconsider its military support if armed forces from terrorism. In June, Crisis the regioncontinued to violate international law. Launch of the “People’s Coalition for the Sahel”. CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 21 DONORS AND PHILANTHROPIC BOARD PARTNERS

DR. ANNA NEISTAT (CHAIR) REGAN E. RALPH Legal Director at the Clooney President and CEO of the Fund for Crisis Action’s financial support comes from a range of foundations, governments Foundation for Justice. Prior to that, Global Human Rights. Previously, and private individuals, many of which provide unrestricted multi-year funding. In Anna was the Senior Director for Vice President for Health and Research, . Anna Reproductive Rights at the National addition, all of Crisis Action’s core partners make an annual financial contribution, has conducted over 60 investigations Women’s Law Center and Director of with the exception of those located in the Global South. To ensure the organisation’s in conflict areas around the world, and the Women’s Rights division of HRW. financial viability and safeguard its integrity and independence, we are continuously previously authored or co-authored over 40 reports. expanding and diversifying our donor base.

Crisis Action applies strict accountability and transparency standards to its funding PAUL FLETCHER KHALED MANSOUR relationships. (TREASURER) An independent consultant on Chair of Teach for All and communications and human rights. Previously, he was the Executive LeadersQuest. Board member of FOUNDATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS GOVERNMENTS Systemiq and GIC. Paul has a wealth Director of the Egyptian Initiative of experience in financial services, for Personal Rights and, UNICEF’s • Eagle Fund • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland emerging markets, and the private Director of Communication. • Greenbaum Foundation* (Stability Fund) equity industry. • Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust • European Union and German Federal Foreign Office as • Kerfuffle Foundation* part of the Syria Peace Initiative, implemented by the • Lode Star Foundation GiZ • Nduna Foundation* • Global Affairs Canada ARNOLD TSUNGA • New Venture Fund • Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs JACQUELINE MUNA • Open Society Foundations One of Africa’s leading human MUSIITWA • Pears Foundation* rights lawyers and Zimbabwe An international lawyer and • Robert Bosch Stiftung Senior Resident Director, National development expert. Formerly: • Rockefeller Brothers Fund Democratic Institute (NDI). Previously Managing Partner of Hoja Law Group, • Silicon Valley Community Foundation he was Africa Director for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the • Skoll Foundation International Commission of Jurists, World Trade Organization, and board • Stanley and Marion Bergman Family Charitable Fund Executive Director of Zimbabwe member of Zambian Central Bank. • Susan Gibson Lawyers for Human Rights.

* Crisis Action is especially grateful to these donors for MONA YOUNIS BRUNO STAGNO UGARTE providing us with unrestricted multi-year support An independent consultant on Deputy Executive Director for organizational development, and Advocacy at Human Rights Watch. human rights and the Middle East. Previously, Bruno served as Foreign Mona co-founded the Arab Human Minister of Costa Rica, Ambassador Rights Fund and Fund for Global to the United Nation, Chief of Staff of Human Rights. the Foreign Ministry, and Executive Director of Security Council Report.

CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 23 CORE PARTNERS OUR • 11.11.11 (CECORE) • Institute for Peace and Security • Oxfam International • Action contre la faim (ACF) • Centre for Democracy and Studies (IPSS) • PAX • Aegis Trust UK Development (CDD) • Institute for Security Studies (ISS) • Permanent Peace Movement • African Centre for Justice and Peace • Centre for the Study of Violence and • International Center for Policy and • Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) Studies (ACJPS) Reconciliation (CSVR) Conflict (ICPC) • Refugees International • African Research and Resource • Chatolic Agency for Overseas • International Crisis Group (ICG) • Saferworld NETWORK Forum (ARRF) Development (CAFOD) • International Federation for Human • Save the Children - UK • Agency for Cooperation on Research • Christian Aid Rights (FIDH) • Stichting Vluchteling in Development (ACORD) • Concern - UK • International Medical Corps UK • Support To Life • Amnesty - UK • Concordis International • International Refugee Rights • Tearfund • Amnesty International • Cordaid Initiative (IRRI) • The Elders • Arab NGO Network for Development • Global Centre for the Responsibility • International Rescue Committee • Trócaire (ANND) to Protect (GCR2P) • Islamic Relief - UK • UNITE • Atrocities Watch Africa • Human Rights First • Islamic Relief Worldwide • War Child - Netherlands • Cairo Institute for Human Rights • Human Rights Watch • Médecins du Monde • War Child - UK Studies (CIHRS) • Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART) • Mensen met een Missie • West Africa Network for • CARE France • Humanity and Inclusion (formerly • Mercy Corps Peacebuilding (WANEP) • CARE International UK Handicap International) • Nobel Women’s Initiative • Women International Peace Centre • Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) • IHH (Insani Yardim Vakfi) • Nonviolent Peaceforce • World Vision - UK • Centre for Conflict Resolution (Humanitarian Reflief Foundation) • Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) • World Vision International CAMPAIGN PARTNERS • Action Des Chretiens Pour L’Abolition • Community Empowerment for • International IDEA • Search for Common Ground De La Torture (ACAT) Progress Organization (CEPO) • International Medical Corps USA • “Secours Islamique France” • Action for Sama Campaign • “Coordination des Associations des • International Youth for Africa (IYA) • Solidarités International • Action Mopti Femmes de l’Azawad” • Life Peace Institute (LPI) • SOS-Civisme-Niger • Adopt a Revolution • Coordination Nigérienne des ONG et • Ligue Tchadienne des Droits de l’Homme • South Sudan Action Network on • Afghanistan Justice Organisation Associations Féminines du Niger • Lutherian World Relief Small Arms (SSANSA) • Afghanistan Research and Evaluation • Daughters of Mumbi Global Resource • Mothers of Abductees Association • South Sudan Women’s Unit (AREU) Center • Mouvement Burkinabé des Droits de Empowerment Network (SSWEN) • African Leadership Centre • Dawlaty l’Homme et des Peuples • Sudan Focal Point Europe • African Security Sector Network • Denis Hurley Peace Institute • Mwatana Organisation for • Syria Relief (ASSN) • Dialogue and Research Initiative (DRI) Human Rights • Syria Relief & Development (SRD) • Africans Rising • Disabled Agency for Rehabilitation • Najda Now • Syrian American Medical Society • Afrikajom Center and Development (DARD) • National Security Action • Ta’afi Initiative • Alliance Internationale pour la • End Impunity Organization (EIO) • Nonviolent Peaceforce • The Khost United Youth Association défense des droits et libertés (AIDL) • Enough Project • Observatoire Kisal in Afghanistan • ArtLords • EVE Organization for Women • Observatoire des Armements • The Sentry • Assistance Mission for Africa (AMA) Development • Open Society European Policy • The Syria Campaign • Association des Juristes Maliennes • Families for Freedom Institute (OSEPI) • The South African Institute of (AJM) • “Federation of Women Lawyers“ • Oxfam-Pan African Office International Affairs • Association des Blogueurs du Mali • Fellowship of Christian Councils and • Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) • Thinking Africa • Association Malienne des Droits de Churches in the Great Lakes and • Peace Coalition for South Sudan • Timbuktu Institute l’Homme (AMDH) Horn of Africa (FECCLAHA) (PECOSS) • Transparency International • Association of Evangelicals in Africa • FEMNET • People in Need (PIN) • Union des Organisations de Secours (AEA) • Fokus Sahel • Plan International et Soins Médicaux (UOSSM) • Association pour la promotion de • Friends Committee on National • Première Urgence Internationale • Union fraternelle des croyants l’élevage au Sahel (APESS) Legislation • Réseau de Réflexion Stratégique sur • United States Institute of Peace • Baytna Syria • Human Rights Documentation la Sécurité au Sahel (USIP) CORE PARTNERS • Better World Campaign Organization (HURIDO) • Réseau des femmes de foi pour la • Violations Documentation Center in • Caesar Families Association • Idlib Health Directorate Paix au Burkina Faso (REFFOP) Syria (VDC) • Carrot Co. • Institut de Recherche pour le • Réseau nigérien pour la gestion non • Wathi CAMPAIGN PARTNERS • Center for Justice and International Développement (IRD) violente des conflits • Win Without War Law (CEJIL) • Institut français des relations • Réseau Panafricain Pour la Paix, la • Wogood for Human Security • Centre Afrika Obota internationales (Ifri) Démocratie et le Développement • Women for Afghan Women (WAW) • Centre Diocésain de Communication • Institut malien de Recherche Action (Niger) • Women in Law and Development NETWORK MEMBERS • Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue pour la Paix • Safety and Risk Mitigation (Mali) • Centre pour la gouvernance • Institute for Justice and Organization (SRMO) • Women Now for Development démocratique Reconciliation (IJR) • Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies • Yemen Relief and Reconstruction CRISIS ACTION OFFICES LOCATION • Collectif contre l’impunité et la • InterAction • Sawa Association for Development Foundation stigmatisation des communautés (CISC) • International Commission of Jurists and Aid • Yemen Solidarity Network CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 25 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES OUR FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2020

FINANCIALS 2019-20 TEAM 2020 2019 2020 2019 £ £ $ $ OTHER INCOME INCOME PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS £ 86,112 | 2% • Aditi Lalbahadur • Paul Musiol Foundations & Individuals 2,784,929 2,669,665 3,437,549 3,366,768 £ 141,935 | 4% • Alistair Martin • Philip Amaral Governments 956,154 1,054,488 1,180,219 1,329,836 INTEREST • Andrew Hudson • Pranjali Acharya Partnership Contributions 141,935 129,707 175,197 163,576 £ 5,506 | 0.1% • Carolyn Greco • Racha Mouawieh Other Income 86,112 40,131 106,291 50,610 • Christopher Le Mon • Rida Nazir Interest 5,506 5,309 6,796 6,695 • Eleanor Kennedy • Robbie Baruch TOTAL1 3,974,636 3,899,300 4,906,052 4,917,485 • Gareth Sweeney • Sacha de Wijs • Georges Zailah • Sarah Berry EXPENDITURE • Hayley Davidson • Sienna Merope GOVERNMENTS Salaries & Related Costs 3,003,017 2,600,611 3,706,744 3,279,682 • Janah Ncube • Sofia Fiammenghi £ 956,154 | 24% Occupancy 273,114 252,672 337,115 318,650 • Joe Keyrouz • Sophie Correia Travel & Travel Related Costs 248,051 458,587 306,179 578,333 • Laura Couderc • Sue Mbaya IT, Comms & Office Supplies 156,622 169,877 193,324 214,235 Publications 90,612 78,744 111,847 99,306 • Laura Whitby • Sulafah Al Shami Events 9,792 24,135 12,086 30,438 • Mahad Ghani • Sylvain Biville Professional Fees 117,608 99,821 145,168 125,886 • Maya El Ammar • Vijay Patel Asset write-off 17,784 16,075 21,952 20,272 Finance Charges 44,490 9,343 54,916 11,782 • Nicola Reindorp • Vivienne Miliza Depreciation 5,531 5,531 6,827 6,975 • Patricia Nyaundi

TOTAL 3,966,621 3,715,396 4,896,159 4,685,560 FOUNDATIONS & INDIVIDUALS

(Deficit)/Surplus Before Taxation 8,015 183,904 9,893 231,925 £ 2,784,929 | 70%

Taxation (1,046) (1,009) (1,291) (1,272)

(Deficit)/Surplus After Taxation 6,968 182,895 8,601 230,653

Exchange Rate at 31st May 2020 (USD) 1.234 1.234 THANK YOU Exchange Rate at 31st May 2019 (USD) 1.261 1.261

1. 2020 income was higher than 2019 income. In USD, it looks like 2020 income was lower than 2019 We would like to thank the following for their contribution to Crisis Action’s income. This is because GBP depreciated against USD in 2020. work over the past year:

Fixed Assets 37,968 17,573 46,865 22,162 Debtors¹ 256,203 224,834 316,242 283,543 Adipo Otieno Sidang, Alexis Fessatidis, Amy Barry, Benson Butori, Claire Nurden, Darren George, Davis Makori, Cash at Bank 2,365,619 2,103,020 2,919,978 2,652,160 Dima Farran, Elinor Sisulu, Elvis Salano, Eric Eikenberry, Helawi Mengistu, John Senior, Judith Khaemba, Karim Khalifeh, Creditors² (1,351,547) (1,044,153) (1,668,268) (1,316,802) Mahault Bernard, Marcy Obonyo, Marianne Tessa, Martine Lekutanoy, Mary King’ori, Morgan Cronin-Webb, NET ASSETS 1,308,243 1,301,274 1,614,816 1,641,063 Nahom Gebremariam, Olivia Njoroge, Rachel Everette, Robert Schupp, Sami Salloum, Sophie Busson, Tsion Hagos

CAPITAL & RESERVES Operating Overhead Reserve3 1,671,499 1,576,440 2,063,198 1,988,080 Restricted Funds 19,167 39,388 23,658 49,673 Unrestricted Funds4 (382,423) (314,554) (472,040) (396,690)

CAPITAL & RESERVES 1,308,243 1,301,274 1,614,816 1,641,063

1. £184.090 ($227,231) of Debtors are grants due in 2019/20 but received in 2020/21. 2. £976,075 ($1,204,809) of Creditors is the amount of deferred income carried forward into 2020-21. 3. The opening USD reserves have been revalued using the May 2020 USD/GBP exchange rate. 4. Unrestricted funds includes three shares with a nominal value of £1. These shares are owned by the directors and do not earn dividends.

CRISIS ACTION ANNUAL REPORT 2020 27 ADDIS ABABA The Bureau, Legacy Apartments Building, Off Ethio- China Street |Bole, Wollo Sefer, Addis Ababa

BEIRUT Antwork, May Ziadeh Street, Spears, Beirut, Lebanon (P.O. Box: 113-7240) T: +961 1 759 399 [ext. 12500]

BRUSSELS Rue de Trèves 45, 1040 Brussels, Belgium T: +32 2 737 1491

LONDON Audrey House, 16-20 Ely Place, London, EC1N 6SN, UK T: +44 207 269 9450 Registered in the UK, company registration no: 04932380

NAIROBI Unit 14, 9th Floor Pinetree Plaza, Kaburu Drive T: +254 20 26 28 303/ +254 782935533

NEW YORK 405 Lexington Ave, Floors 1 & 7-9, New York, NY 10174, USA A public charity and tax-exempt organisation in the United States under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Codes

PARIS 142 rue Montmartre, 75002 Paris, France T: +33 1 46 07 24 13

JOHANNESBURG [email protected]

WASHINGTON 800 Maine Ave SW, #200 Washington, D.C.20024, USA T: +1 202 888 3112

Also with a presence in Berlin and consultants in other locations.

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FRONT COVER IMAGE: A Lotuko tribe woman performing a welcome dance, in Central Equatoria, Illeu, South Sudan.

Photo by Eric Lafforgue/Art in All of Us/Corbis/Getty Images