Capacity building for engagement with non-state armed groups and de facto authorities

Orient Association training Syrian Democratic Forces on cultural heritage protection (Credit: Fight for Humanity)

Jonathan Rider, Christopher Rider, Ashley Jackson & Pascal Bongard

This thematic briefing paper explores the practical and structural barriers to engaging armed groups and de facto authorities (NSAGs/DFAs) in the protection of cultural heritage. Drawing on findings from the Centre on Armed Groups and Aleph Strategies, it outlines the challenges practitioners face—including a lack of analytical tools, stove-piped sectoral approaches, and limited data—and identifies strategies for building more coherent, cross-sector capacity.

The paper calls for the development of shared toolkits and training programmes, stronger partnerships across sectors and levels, and a more grounded evidence base that recognises cultural heritage as a humanitarian and peacebuilding issue. Funded by the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, this briefing is part of a broader effort to support more effective and context-sensitive engagement with NSAGs and DFAs.