Bahir Dar, Ethiopia — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will co-convene a side event with the Tana Forum during the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa to advance dialogue on protecting civilians and strengthening human security in contexts affected by conflict and crisis.

The side event will bring together government representatives, humanitarian actors, policy experts and partners to reflect on the urgent need to place people at the centre of peace and security responses. Discussions will explore how protection, dignity, access to essential services and respect for international humanitarian principles can be strengthened through coordinated action.

Held on the margins of the Tana Forum, the session will provide space for practical exchange on the realities faced by civilians, including women, young people and communities affected by displacement and insecurity. It will also highlight the importance of prevention, accountability, inclusive support systems and sustained engagement with communities.

Experts at the Tana Forum Secretariat emphasise that human security begins with listening to affected communities and responding to their needs with urgency and respect. The Side Event is indeed an opportunity to connect policy conversations with the lived realities of people impacted by conflict.

Through this dialogue, the ICRC, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNFPA aim to encourage stronger partnerships between humanitarian, diplomatic and development actors. The conversation will support a shared understanding of how protection-centred approaches can contribute to more resilient communities and more sustainable peace.

Outcomes from the discussion are expected to inform continued cooperation among participating institutions and partners beyond the Forum.