Assessing the Humanitarian-Development Nexus within Protracted Crisis Contexts: A Case Study of Somalia

A comment made by Trygve Lie, the first Secretary General of the United Nations, endures to date. He said, “There is a close connection between the peace problem and the economic and social conditions of the countries of the world. The creation of better economic and social conditions for all people is one of the principal aims of the United Nations.” Humanitarian crises have become increasingly complex, protracted and commonly caused by conflict. The incumbent sustainable development goals (SDGs) are more inclusive than their predecessors, the millennium development goals (MDGs). The former has been formulated to ensure ‘Leave No One Behind’ comes to fruition. This is the recognition by the international community on the requirement for improved coherence of the humanitarian and development efforts. The humanitarian-development discussion needs to reach beyond the humanitarian community, capitals and headquarters. As ideas emerge externally, inclusion of other initiatives could provide substantial inputs. Additionally, the connection has to be made at country level in order to enhance humanitarian- development nexus on the ground, to operationalize policy and to engage and involve other development actors. Ultimately, peace and development are inseparable.