How we work

PAX gathers evidence to understand civilian perspectives and experiences regarding (in)security, and on operational challenges in implementing PoC. We do this through our flagship Human Security Survey (HSS) research and community engagement methodology. PAX has further leveraged extensive and field-based research on direct and reverberating civilian harm from armed conflict, as well as the tools and measures needed by security actors to prevent, mitigate, and address such harm to become a leading Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) expert.

Using our insights and networks, we inform security policy discussions among powerholders at (inter)national levels to make protection strategies more relevant, inclusive, and accountable to civilians affected by conflict. We do this through consolidating best practices, convening expert events, and carrying out targeted advocacy. Our research findings are also used locally to create spaces for civilians to share their diverse human security needs and experiences with authorities, and to facilitate community-driven solutions to address protection priorities.

There is a significant need to build strategic and technical capacities for effective civilian-centered protection among different actors. This includes supporting civil society to grow capacities in research, advocacy, and conflict resolution to build skills and structures to provide more effective and accountable protection. It also includes working directly with security actors on implementing effective PoC. PAX has amassed extensive training content, including contextually-grounded scenarios and exercises, which can be tailored to various audiences.

PAX builds and sustains mutually reinforcing local, national, and institutional partnerships. Trust is crucial for maintaining access to and support from civilians and authorities in conflict areas, and building mutual understanding with and between security actors is also the foundation for credibility to influence policy. We consolidate and share evidence of protection best practices, building constructive partnerships among our network of policymakers, practitioners, and civil society across countries and levels.