About
The Centre on Armed Groups supports efforts to reduce violence and end armed conflict.
Our research is solution-oriented, grounded in rigorous evidence, and designed to inform policy and practice. By understanding how armed actors govern, negotiate, and interact with others, we aim to support nuanced, effective responses to conflict.
Our work facilitating and supporting dialogue aims to create safe spaces for discussion and learning about engagement with armed groups. While we do not act as mediators, we support engagement and accompany political and humanitarian mediators in engagement.
The Centre provides confidential, tailored advice to governments, humanitarian and development agencies, donors, the private sector and other actors engaging with armed groups. Our aim is to help partners navigate complex conflict environments with greater sensitivity, effectiveness, and foresight.
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Our reach
Our network of experts focuses on conflict and violence focused in more than 30 countries and territories, with specialised expertise on over 50 different armed groups
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The Centre began as the Centre for the Study of Armed Groups, founded in 2020 and hosted by ODI, a leading UK global affairs think-tank. You can read more about our work during this incubation period here.
In 2022, we transitioned into an independent organization registered in Geneva, Switzerland. We also expanded our focus to include more policy engagement and direct support.
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We are led by a management team and our committee provides operational oversight. A network of advisors guides the substance of our work.
Our greatest strengths lie in our extensive network of experts. We draw on their expertise and insights to shape and carry out our work.
Learn more about our team and structure here.
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We collaborate with a wide range of partners, including Save the Children, York University, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Interpeace, ODI, and others.
Current and past funders include the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among others.
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The Centre is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and safeguarding across all its work. We expect all staff, consultants, volunteers, and partners to adhere to our policies, which prohibit corruption, fraud, and any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (full policies are available on request, contact info@armedgroupscentre.org).
Failure to meet these standards will result in immediate action, which may include disciplinary measures, termination of employment or partnership, and legal action, as applicable. We have established a confidential and secure reporting mechanism for any alleged incidents of fraud, corruption or SEAH.
Any complaints or concerns about the Centre or the conduct of its staff and partners should be emailed to: accountability@armedgroupscentre.org. This allows for direct reporting to the Centre’s Committee and ensures that all complaints are investigated thoroughly and impartially.
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The nature of armed groups is changing, and so must our approach to dealing with them. Our 2023-2025 strategy - Armed Groups in a Changing World - outlines the Centre’s approach to better understanding and engaging with armed groups amid an increasingly fractious geopolitical order.
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In a year marked by growing tensions and escalating conflicts, the Centre continued to advance research and engagement efforts aimed at reducing violence and suffering. Our work in 2023 grew significantly, with new partnerships and projects, and meaningful contributions to the field.