REFRACT PSP

REFRACT- Resilience and Fragility in Action is a Policy Supporting Programme (PSP) funded by the ‘Flemish Interuniversity Council’ (VLIRUOS) and the ‘Academie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Superieur’ (ARES). This project is carried out on behalf of the Belgian Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD) and implemented by a consortium of researchers from Belgian and African Universities. We advance knowledge and inform policy through research conducted within a structured framework comprising four thematic work packages and two cross-cutting work packages: -Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus: Examining the integration of humanitarian, development, and peace efforts to enhance local implementation. -Localisation of Aid: Empowering local actors in development and humanitarian responses while addressing barriers to effective localisation. -Civic Space and "Leave No One Behind": Exploring challenges faced by civil society in fragile contexts and fostering resilience and inclusion in shrinking civic spaces. -Political Economy of Conflict and Civil War: Investigating the political and economic dimensions of conflict to adapt policy frameworks to evolving dynamics. -Methodological and Epistemological Challenges: Focusing on ethical research practices that incorporate local perspectives. -Gender Lab: Integrated across the thematic packages; Prioritizing women’s rights and participation in resilience-building efforts across all packages. We critically examine the evolving dynamics of fragility and resilience amid escalating crises. By engaging with policymakers and exploring the causes, lived experiences, and impacts of these crises, we want to inform policy responses. Through rigorous analysis and collaborative dialogue, we propose innovative and inclusive strategies that are firmly grounded in the daily realities of affected by these crises, and that strengthen resilience while addressing systemic drivers of fragility.