Strengthening local councils to bridge the aid gap in Aleppo

The nature of the Syrian crisis, and the response that has evolved, calls for a change in the way aid is delivered. A redefined engagement between development and humanitarian actors can empower those on the ground to accountably deliver services where international agencies cannot. This briefing recommends renewed engagement with local governance bodies to account for new realities of a) remote management and b) insider links and networks of local governance that work differently to international nongovernmental organisations. The approach focuses on developing tools and accountability mechanisms that reflect the complex environment in Syria where a number of organisations are implementing projects.