The value of complementary approaches between international humanitarian and local or national actors to carrying out advocacy to strengthen protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict is well-recognised. The growing push to ‘localise’ humanitarian action has strengthened understanding that national actors are critical frontline advocates for protection of affected populations. Integrating this understanding into the actual practice of international actors seems, however, to be more challenging. This paper explores current practice of complementary advocacy between national actors and international humanitarian actors to strengthen the protection of conflict-affected populations, with a particular focus on Jordan and South Sudan. It examines the factors that enable complementary approaches to advocacy, the challenges and risks involved and opportunities to strengthen complementary and collaborative approaches to protection advocacy.

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