Putting Lived Experience at the Heart of Protection Advocacy 

Majdi Laktinah delivered the keynote lecture at the opening session of the Advocacy for Protection course organised by the International Institute of Humanitarian Law (IIHL). Drawing on his experience and expertise as a RAB Germany board member, Majdi highlighted the importance of placing lived experience and community-led approaches at the heart of protection advocacy. 

The course explores how advocacy can help shape policies and public perceptions concerning refugees, internally displaced persons, stateless people and migrants. Grounded in international refugee law, human rights law and humanitarian law, it examines protection challenges, identifies relevant stakeholders and equips participants with practical approaches to developing effective and sustainable advocacy strategies. 

Through case studies at national and international levels, Majdi shared insights into developing advocacy campaigns that centre the perspectives of those most affected. He also drew on his recent policy brief, Conditions Shaping Syrians’ Futures and Prospects for Return, highlighting the value of refugee expertise in informing policy discussions and protection efforts. 

RAB Germany thanks the International Institute of Humanitarian Law for the invitation and the opportunity to contribute to this important exchange and wishes all later cohorts a rewarding course and every success in developing advocacy approaches that reflect the experiences and priorities of the communities they seek to support.