The NGO Field Cooperation protocol, adopted in 1996, is widely regarded as a useful guide to field-level collaboration among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and with their program partners. However, the Protocol has not been widely promoted by signatory agencies, limiting its impact. In Liberia, where many international organizations signatory to the Protocol are engaged in humanitarian work, structured cooperation among international NGOs has enhanced relief effort. Lessons from Liberia offer useful suggestions on how the Protocol can have a stronger impact on disaster assistance operations. This study assesses the implementation of the NGO Field Cooperation Protocol and, drawing on findings from Liberia, makes recommendations for promoting Protocol.
Focus: Cooperation, NGO-military and NGO-UN relations, security, human resources, information.
