4 Working Towards More Effective Negotiations

4.1 Overview

When humanitarian negotiations with armed groups are planned and carried out in an unstructured or ad hoc manner they increase the risk that:

1. these groups will attempt to play off humanitarian actors against each other;

2. the negotiations will result in sub-optimal agreements;

3. the armed group may be less willing to enter into negotiations and reach agreement in the future; and,

4. delivery of humanitarian protection and assistance to those in need will face increased constraints because of the factors listed above.

This chapter suggests practical steps for humanitarian organizations to guide and enhance their negotiations with armed groups. The guidelines presented here constitute a framework or template for a more structured, consistent approach to negotiations with armed groups.
Humanitarian organizations can adapt this template to the particular negotiation or operational setting.

Moreover, the guidance presented here aims to increase the effectiveness of humanitarian negotiations with armed groups. More effective negotiations are those that achieve better humanitarian outcomes, optimize the time spent negotiating with armed groups, and build long-term relationships with armed groups.

These guidelines are presented across three phases of negotiation: preparation , seeking agreement and implementation . This chapter also briefly explores issues concerning the different modes of negotiation (direct, indirect, written, oral) and inter-cultural aspects of negotiation, concluding with suggested actions to be considered if the negotiations break down.