The Humanitarian Reset

In a letter to the IASC Principles on 10 March 2025, the OCHA’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr Tom Flecther, announced the launch of a process - The Humanitarian Reset - to improve the efficiency of the humanitarian system. The Humanitarian Reset looks at the following possible actions: localisation, HPC prioritisation, life-saving actions, reform initiatives (JIAF 2.0, HPC reform, flagship, IDP solutions), cluster simplification and streamlining, IASC reform. 

The ERC has also ask to reduce inefficiency, duplication and bureaucracy (see OCHA - A simplified and more efficient humanitarian system)

Protection is a Priority in Humanitarian Action

Most humanitarian crises are protection crises, even if not acknowledged as such. Violations of international law and patterns of abuse, violence, coercion, deliberate deprivation, exploitation, and exclusion are often the drivers of other humanitarian needs, and further exacerbate them. Failing to adequately consider protection in emergency interventions is detrimental to the entire humanitarian response and, ultimately, affected populations.

As part of the efforts to advocate for protection as a priority in humanitarian action, the GPC has published a global statement  and key advocacy messages. Specific guidance has been provided to Cluster Coordination teams on navigating the different prioritisation efforts. See Guidance on Prioritisation of Protection Response Activities at Country-Level.

Impact of Funding Cuts on Protection

In 2024, the Global Protection Cluster received $1.7 billion in humanitarian financing. This fell short of the $3.5 billion funding requirement – by 51%. The projections for 2025 indicate there will be an even more severe gap in protection funding, with projected shortfalls averaging 67% across major humanitarian crises.

 The GPC has conducted an in depth analysis of available data and developed two projections—one based on 30% funding reductions compared to 2024, and a second based on a 50% funding reduction model. This analysis projects the potential impact on country operations and key protection activities. See Funding Analysis and Protection Risk - Understanding the Link and Cost of Inaction.

The GPC continues to consult global protection partners to understand the impact of foreign aid cuts on their protection programmes and their operational planning for 2025/2026.

Cluster Simplification: Consolidation of the Protection Cluster 

As part of the Humanitarian Reset, the Protection Cluster and its former Areas of Responsibility (AoR) - Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence and Mine Action - integrate into one consolidated Protection Cluster. The former Housing, Land and Property Area of Responsibility is moving to the newly established and consolidated Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Cluster, while still keeping strong operational and strategic linkages with the Protection Cluster. 

As of February 2026, the Global Protection Cluster and the former Global AoRs are now consolidated into one global team. At country level, the consolidation process is on-going. 

More information on Cluster Simplification and the consolidation of the Protection Cluster is available in the IASC interim messages on Cluster Simplification (September 2025) and the IASC Guidance on Cluster Simplification and Adapting In-Country Coordination (March 2026), including its annex on Lead and Accountability Arrangements for consolidated Clusters.

Cluster Transitions and Programming Transitions/Closing

In the midst of the Humanitarian Reset, the transition of certain Protection Clusters will take place against the backdrop of ongoing humanitarian reform and shifting aid priorities. As funding constraints and localization efforts reshape the humanitarian landscape, Protection Clusters must adapt their coordination mechanisms to ensure continuity of critical services, and that coordination is in line with the operational needs of our partners. in this context, the GPC together with NRC developed a Note on Protection in Humanitarian Coordination Transitions to support Protection Clusters and partners to prepare for and undergo transition processes. This note complements the IASC Guidance on Cluster Transition and Deactivation. As per decision of the IASC, Protection Clusters in Cameroon, Colombia and Nigeria are currently in the process of transitioning. 

Amid ongoing humanitarian reform and significant cuts to foreign aid funding, protection clusters and their partners must navigate complex transitions and potential program closures. These shifts require careful planning to minimize disruptions to affected populations and ensure that critical protection services remain accessible where possible. The GPC published a short guidance to Protection Cluster coordination teams on how to engage partners in structured discussions for any closure of their protection programming. See Guidance on Sudden Programme Closure.