This research report explores evidence from humanitarian and peace process support in southern Thailand and the Central African Republic, and explores whether and how humanitarian diplomacy with armed groups can advance peace without undermining humanitarian principles.

With 6.5 million Somalis facing acute food insecurity and Al-Shabaab controlling or contesting large parts of south-central Somalia, the gap between humanitarian need and humanitarian response has never been more consequential. This paper examines why the formal aid system has largely failed to reach populations in Al-Shabaab areas, and argues that the primary driver is not the group's behaviour but the system's own operational choices.

Drawing on interviews with humanitarian actors, donors and individuals close to Al-Shabaab, the paper traces how counter-terrorism frameworks, risk-averse funding models and alignment with the Somali government have entrenched an assumption that access is impossible — one the evidence does not support. It sets out a practical path forward: restoring perceived neutrality, resourcing access as a core function, and building the strategic humanitarian diplomacy needed to support the frontline engagement that is already, quietly, happening.

This discussion paper examines the collapse of key humanitarian access capacities in 2025 and outlines the shifts needed to sustain principled operations in increasingly fragmented and politicised conflict environments. It argues for a rebalanced, locally led and internationally enabled approach to access, and offers practical recommendations for donors, UN actors, and frontline organisations.

Millions around the globe are affected by the actions of non-state armed groups. Like states, NSAGs are bound by IHL but have no voice in shaping it. This Brief proposes a strategic model aimed at the progressive inclusion of NSAGs in humanitarian norm development processes.