Protection Leadership

Navigating Crisis, Complexity, and Courage in Myanmar - with Gwyn Lewis

“When you arrive in Myanmar, what strikes you most is how beautiful the place is, the country and the people. And you soon realize how separated communities are.” — Gwyn Lewis What does it really take to uphold dignity, safety, and human rights when every decision in a crisis could mean the difference between access and compromise? In this episode of the Protection Leadership Podcast, Panos Moumtzis speaks with Gwyn Lewis about leading humanitarian efforts in one of the world’s most complex crises. Drawing on her experience in Myanmar and earlier work in Palestine and Bangladesh, Gwyn emphasizes that protection is not just about delivering aid, but about safeguarding dignity, rights, and access.  Gwyn reflects on the realities of Myanmar, where widespread conflict, displacement, and fragmented control create immense operational and ethical challenges. The conversation explores how humanitarian leaders balance access with principles, navigate political sensitivities, and make difficult decisions amid severe funding cuts.  The conversation highlights the importance of collective leadership, localization, and trust-building with all stakeholders, including affected communities and conflict actors. Gwyn also underscores the emotional toll on teams and the need for empathy and shared responsibility.  Ultimately, this episode reinforces that protection must remain the guiding framework for prioritization, even in resource-constrained environments, and that hope is sustained through the resilience and agency of affected communities. Key takeaways Protection as the Core of Humanitarian Action Protection is about ensuring rights, dignity, and safety, not just delivering aid. Centering protection leads to more sustainable and meaningful outcomes. Negotiating Access in Complex Conflict Settings Humanitarian leaders must engage with all parties to a conflict, balancing neutrality with advocacy to reach vulnerable populations. Collective Leadership and Localization Matter Effective responses depend on collaboration across UN agencies, NGOs, and especially local actors who bring critical contextual knowledge and leadership. Difficult Trade-offs in Resource-Constrained Environments Funding cuts force painful prioritization decisions, often requiring leaders to choose between essential services while managing increased protection risks. Hope Driven by Community Resilience Despite prolonged crises, the resilience and initiative of affected communities remain a key source of motivation and hope for humanitarian leaders. Timestamps (03:19) Protection in Palestine (05:05) First impressions of Myanmar (06:39) Displacement complexities (10:44) Intervention examples (14:43) Access vs principles (20:24) Localization of national NGOs (23:29) Rohingya response in Bangladesh (26:50) Maintaining neutrality (31:06) Strategies in sensitive environments (33:28) How do you keep protection a priority? (35:27) Advice from Gwyn Lewis Guest bio: Gwyn Lewis Gwyn Lewis is the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, responsible for coordinating UN activities in the country. Gwyn recognizes that the three global pillars of the UN, development, peace and security, and human rights, are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.  Gwyn brings over 25 years of experience in international development, peacebuilding, and humanitarian affairs. Earlier in her career, Ms. Lewis worked with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), where she managed the Global Clusters Coordination section within the organization’s Emergency Division. Discover More about Gwyn [https://myanmar.un.org/en/about/about-the-resident-coordinator-office]   If you enjoyed this episode of Protection Leadership, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more practical insights and real-world conversations that put protection at the heart of humanitarian action, visit geli.org [https://www.geli.org/].

Advocating For Afghan Women in Humanitarian Crisis - with Indrika Ratwatte

“Afghanistan remains the second largest humanitarian crisis after Yemen and Sudan. When you look at just the needs alone of the people, 22 million people or 50% of the population are in need of humanitarian assistance.” — Indrika Ratwatte What makes Afghanistan's crisis uniquely complex? In this episode of Protection Leadership , Panos Moumtzis speaks with Indrika Ratwatte, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, to discuss one of the world’s most complex protection environments. Afghanistan faces overlapping crises: millions in need of humanitarian aid, large-scale returns of Afghans, natural disasters, climate shocks, and sweeping restrictions disproportionately impacting women and girls. Indrika Ratwatte provides an insider’s perspective on balancing principled advocacy with programmatic delivery, navigating dialogue with de facto authorities, and championing the rights and dignity of all Afghans amid acute challenges. The discussion highlights innovative approaches to bridging humanitarian and development work, the importance of empowering Afghan civil society (especially women-led organizations), and the need to keep compassion, engagement, and evidence-based action at the heart of protection leadership. Afghanistan is at a crossroads. Will the world step up, or turn away? Key Takeaways Bridging Humanitarian & Development Efforts Indrika Ratwatte stresses the importance of connecting life-saving humanitarian action with long-term development to help communities transition from fragility to stability, despite funding shortfalls and operational constraints. Advocacy Backed by Evidence Real change requires ongoing, fact-based dialogue, not one-way communication. Advocacy with the de facto authorities is creating space for critical sectors such as women’s health, education, and economic empowerment. Empowering Local Actors THE PATH FORWARD HINGES ON LOCALIZATION. INDRIKA RATWATTE HIGHLIGHTS HOW INVESTING IN NATIONAL NGOS, ESPECIALLY AFGHAN WOMEN-LED ORGANIZATIONS, ENSURES THAT ASSISTANCE IS SUSTAINABLE AND TRULY MEETS COMMUNITY NEEDS. TIMESTAMPS (02:46) PROTECTION RISKS IN AFGHANISTAN (05:54) CHALLENGES FOR WOMEN IN AFGHANISTAN (08:49) ADVOCATING FOR AFGHAN WOMEN'S RIGHTS (16:42) INNOVATIVE APPROACHES (21:45) DEVELOPMENT ACTORS (25:48) WORKING WITH DFAS (32:03) EMPOWERING AFGHAN NATIONAL WOMEN (34:55) INDRIKA’S MESSAGE OF HOPE GUEST BIO: INDRIKA RATTWATTE INDRIKA RATWATTE BRINGS OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND PROTECTION IN COMPLEX AND CRISIS SETTINGS, INCLUDING OVER 14 YEARS OF WORKING ON AFGHANISTAN AND REGIONAL ISSUES.  HE BEGAN HIS CAREER WITH THE UNITED NATIONS IN 1992 AT THE UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA), AND LATER JOINED THE OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) IN 1993.  HIS MOST RECENT POSITIONS HAVE INCLUDED DIRECTOR OF THE UNHCR REGIONAL BUREAU FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, WHERE HE PREVIOUSLY ALSO SERVED AS DEPUTY AND UNHCR REPRESENTATIVE IN PAKISTAN. HE SERVED WITH UNHCR AS DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA AND PAKISTAN, ALONG WITH PRIOR ASSIGNMENTS IN THAILAND, CROATIA, CHINA, AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA. DISCOVER MORE ABOUT INDRIKA [https://www.un.org/sg/en/appointments/unama/indrika-ratwatte]   If you enjoyed this episode of Protection Leadership, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more practical insights and real-world conversations that put protection at the heart of humanitarian action, visit geli.org [https://www.geli.org/].

Centering Refugee Voices: The Fragility and Power of Protection

"Do not speak on my behalf. Let me be there and tell you how protection looks like..." -  Ana Maria Diez What would protection in humanitarian work truly look like if leaders prioritized the voices and lived experiences of displaced people? In today's conversation, Ana María Diez—lawyer, refugee, and president of Coalición por Venezuela—joins host Panos Moumtzis to discuss the meaning and challenges of protection for displaced people.  Drawing from her own harrowing experiences in Venezuela and her journey into advocacy, Ana María Diez reflects on what true protection, courage, and participation mean for refugees and humanitarian work today.  The dialogue delves into humanitarian failures, the fragility of protection, the need for innovation, and why genuine participation and inclusion of refugees in decision-making are non-negotiable. Key Takeaways Protection is Foundational All discussions around solutions for displaced people must begin with protection—it is the cornerstone of dignity and rights. Lived Experience Shapes Leadership Firsthand experience of displacement brings an irreplaceable perspective to advocacy and solution-building. Courage is present in every person with lived experience. Drawing on these personal reserves can lead to greater strength and more effective advocacy. Fragility of Systems Humanitarian systems and protections are much more vulnerable than they appear; a crisis or funding cut can instantly erase hard-won gains. Meaningful Participation Including refugees and displaced persons in decision-making is not optional; it is a right and vital to finding sustainable solutions. Addressing risks and building solutions demands collaboration, openness, innovation, and a recommitment to bringing human faces back to policymaking and grantmaking. Timestamps (00:00) Ana María Diez shares her personal experience as a protection officer and survivor of kidnapping in Venezuela. (03:13) Protection as the foundation for all humanitarian efforts, especially integration. (05:10) Fleeing Venezuela: Ana María’s personal journey to Spain for safety. (08:58) Ana María Diez on the so-called "humanitarian reset" as a failure of protection. (10:17) The right to participation for refugees and forcibly displaced persons. (12:53) Reflections on courage and advice for advocates facing protection challenges. (15:48) Ana María’s vision for a free Venezuela. (18:57) Shifting from exclusion to meaningful participation within the Quito Process. (22:10) The risks of humanitarian withdrawal and the ongoing needs of grassroots organizations. (27:01) Innovations in humanitarian work: localization, leveraging preexisting capacities, and inclusion. (29:49) Non-negotiables in protection: always center the voices and experiences of those affected. Guest Bio: Ana María Diez   Ana María Diez is a Venezuelan lawyer, refugee, and tireless advocate for the rights of displaced people. She is co-founder and president of Coalición por Venezuela, the largest network of Venezuelan civil society organizations, working across 23 countries to respond to migration and displacement crises. A former humanitarian protection officer, Ana María Diez, brings the lived experience of forced displacement to her leadership in legislative advocacy and global forums, including her participation in advisory bodies to UNHCR. Discover more about Ana María Diez   [https://coalicionporvenezuela.org/post-tag/ana-maria-diez/] Coalición por Venezuela [https://coalicionporvenezuela.org/] If you enjoyed this episode of Protection Leadership, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more practical insights and real-world conversations that put protection at the heart of humanitarian action, visit geli.org [https://www.geli.org/].

Change Her Story, Change the World: Turning Pain Into Purpose – with Taban Shoresh

“If you don’t speak up, nothing will change. If I say something, and it rings to one person in the room…then that might be the person who needs to hear it that day.” –Taban Shoresh Can lived experience truly shape a person’s path and inspire them to advocate for the protection of the most vulnerable? In this episode of the Protection Leadership podcast, Taban Shoresh—former Iraqi refugee, women’s rights activist, founder of The Lotus Flower, and recipient of the Nansen Refugee Award—joins Panos Moumtzis for a deeply personal conversation. She shares the harrowing experiences of her early childhood—being imprisoned, nearly buried alive, fleeing conflict, and rebuilding her life as a refugee in the United Kingdom. Through honesty and vulnerability, Taban reflects on gender, identity, and the powerful role that lived experience can play in shaping humanitarian leadership. She also speaks about how her past drives her advocacy for women and girls, the creation of The Lotus Flower, and her belief that protection must remain a core pillar of humanitarian action. Key Takeaways Lived Experience is Leadership Taban Shoresh emphasizes the unique value of leadership rooted in experience rather than titles, underscoring the power of compassion and tangible action. Protection is Fundamental Protection—encompassing safety, dignity, and rights—should be the heart of all humanitarian programs, not an afterthought. Small acts of protection can transform lives in unexpected and far-reaching ways—sometimes decades later. Authenticity and Adaptability in Advocacy Speaking truth to power requires tailoring messages for context while staying true to core values. Even in times of shrinking humanitarian funding, persistent advocacy and directness can keep protection at the center of the agenda. Timestamps (00:00) Taban recounts being taken to prison, the trauma of displacement, and the beginnings of a refugee journey (05:32) What it means to carry the refugee identity for life (06:37) The lasting impact of early trauma and the adjustments to life as a UK refugee child (11:01) How gender shaped Taban Shoresh's experience and her understanding of protection (14:40) The foundation of The Lotus Flower—purpose born from pain, and a commitment to long-term services for displaced women and girls (16:34) Why lived experience leadership matters more than titles (19:19) “Protection should be at the heart of everything we do”—embedding safety and well-being into programs (21:21) From voicelessness after abuse to advocacy—why sharing personal stories can catalyze change (26:55) “Protection is essential”—advice for policymakers, donors, and humanitarian leaders (29:04) The Lotus Flower mantra: “Change her story, change the world.” (31:13) The ripple effect of a single act of protection, and gratitude for unseen humanitarian impact Guest Bio: Taban Shoresh Taban Shoresh is a Kurdish-British humanitarian leader, women’s rights activist, and founder of The Lotus Flower—a charity supporting women and girls affected by conflict and displacement in Iraq.  A survivor of political imprisonment and forced migration as a child, she arrived in the UK as a refugee at age six.  Taban Shoresh is the recipient of the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award and was awarded an OBE for her services. Her advocacy centers the voices and needs of displaced women and girls, driving emotionally intelligent and authentic leadership in the humanitarian space. Discover more about Taban [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taban_Shoresh] The Lotus Flower [https://thelotusflower.org/] If you enjoyed this episode of Protection Leadership, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more practical insights and real-world conversations that put protection at the heart of humanitarian action, visit geli.org [https://www.geli.org/].

Reviving Accountability in International Humanitarian Law: A Conversation with Jeremy Konyndyk

“If the humanitarians are not speaking up, it’s easier for everyone else to ignore our protection problem.” — Jeremy Konyndyk Has the world stopped enforcing the rules meant to protect civilians in conflict? In this episode of Protection Leadership, Panos Moumtzis speaks with Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, about the erosion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the collapse of political consensus around civilian protection, and the difficult balance between operational access and principled advocacy. Drawing on decades of frontline experience (from the Balkans to Yemen, from leading USAID’s disaster response operations to coordinating global COVID-19 and MPox responses), Jeremy reflects on the growing strain on humanitarian norms. He examines how geopolitical fragmentation, shrinking resources, and inconsistent enforcement of international law have weakened protections for civilians. Together, they explore a central tension in humanitarian leadership: When should humanitarians prioritize access, and when must they risk it to speak out? Key Takeaways The Erosion of International Humanitarian Law Jeremy discusses the alarming decline in global commitment to International Humanitarian Law and civilian protection norms. When enforcement becomes politicized or selective, the credibility of IHL is weakened, and civilians pay the price. Balancing Advocacy and Humanitarian Access Humanitarian organizations often face a difficult trade-off: speak out and risk access, or stay quiet to preserve operations. Jeremy argues that differentiation within the system is essential. Advocacy organizations may need to be louder, while operational agencies must carefully navigate risk without abandoning principle. Protection Is Not Optional, It’s Foundational Aid delivery alone cannot prevent famine, displacement, or violence. Protection considerations must be embedded in the design and execution of humanitarian programs, from refugee camp policies to the rights to work and to freedom of movement. Reviving Accountability and “Shame” Jeremy makes the case that international protection norms once carried political cost for violators. Rebuilding accountability requires restoring consequences, including reputational consequences, for violations of civilian protection. Timestamps (02:41) Protection concerns in humanitarian aid (08:34) Have humanitarians become too risk-averse? (12:04) Controlling the narrative around civilian protection (13:52) When to speak loudly — and when to calibrate (19:18) Balancing operational ability and moral courage (24:05) How humanitarians can drive real protection impact (27:40) Examples of effective protection interventions (31:33) Why we need to “bring back shame” in international law (35:38) Advice for the next generation of humanitarian leaders Guest Bio: Jeremy Konyndyk Jeremy Konyndyk is the President of Refugees International, a leading advocacy organization focused on refugee rights, humanitarian protection, and displacement policy. He previously served in senior roles in both the Obama and Biden administrations. From 2013–2017, he was Director of USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), where he led U.S. responses to major global crises, including the West Africa Ebola outbreak, the Nepal earthquake, conflict in Syria and South Sudan, and the 2016 Ethiopia drought. In the Biden administration, Jeremy served as USAID’s lead official for COVID-19, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar global response portfolio and coordinating international vaccine donations under the Global VAX initiative. He later led the U.S. government’s global MPox response. Between government appointments, he was a senior policy fellow at the Center for Global Development, where he led the “Rethinking Humanitarian Reform” initiative, examining how to shift power toward crisis-affected populations and strengthen accountability in the humanitarian system. Discover More about Jeremy [https://www.refugeesinternational.org/authors/jeremy-konyndyk/]   Jeremy Konyndyk on LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/jeremy-konyndyk-686b9b33] If you enjoyed this episode of Protection Leadership, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more practical insights and real-world conversations that put protection at the heart of humanitarian action, visit geli.org [https://www.geli.org/].