Since 2019, PeaceNexus has partnered with Oxfam to strengthen conflict sensitivity across its humanitarian and development work in conflict-affected settings. As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations, reaching over 14 million people annually, Oxfam plays a critical role in shaping both operational practice and global policy.
Our support is geared towards helping Oxfam ground its work in a strong understanding of local contexts, ensuring that its programmes do not inadvertently fuel risks of violence, and rather contribute to strengthening local capacities for peace where possible.
PeaceNexus’ partnership provided crucial accompaniment to Oxfam. It helped us successfully take on a role to coordinate the global Conflict Sensitivity Community Hub, strengthening our role in advancing conflict sensitivity among humanitarian, development and peace actors. Internally, improved access to guidance materials helps Oxfam country offices and partners integrate conflict sensitivity across programme cycles, especially during proposal development stages.
John Ahere, Conflict Sensitivity Coordinator at Oxfam in Africa
Results
A key milestone in 2025 was the launch of Oxfam’s organisation-wide, multilingual conflict sensitivity guidance package. This guidance reflects Oxfam’s consolidated learning from several years of piloting new practices across diverse conflict contexts and types of programming. The guidance was launched during Oxfam’s Conflict Sensitivity Week – a dedicated learning space spearheaded by Oxfam International Humanitarian Director. Bringing together over 200 staff and partners from across the confederation, the event introduced the guidance and tools while providing dedicated time to share experiences, challenges and explore solutions.
By embedding conflict sensitivity in its work, Oxfam is strengthening its own ability to operate responsibly in fragile contexts while ensuring locally-led efforts on social cohesion retain support in a shifting global landscape.