Flexible localised emergency response: learning to walk the talk on localisation and inclusive humanitarian action during COVID and in a post-coup in Myanmar

The establishment of the Flexible Localised Emergency Response (FLER) mechanism in Myanmar contributes to the localisation commitments outlined in the Grand Bargain and the move toward a more ‘local’ response to humanitarian. FLER aims to strengthen the local humanitarian response to crisis-affected populations according to a harmonised (not standardised) approach, respecting key humanitarian standards. This session will reflect on how the FLER mechanism transforms traditional humanitarian partnerships and large-scale grant management processes in order to balance power with local partners and communities of the humanitarian response. It will address the reality, benefits, challenges and advantages of the localisation of humanitarian aid. It will discuss its subsequent impact on local perspectives, power dynamics, and coordination and influence.