As humanitarian actors talk about the need to “reset” the humanitarian system, people directly affected by crisis are still being left out of the conversation. In May 2025, Upinion engaged over 600 community members across Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Türkiye to ask: What does real inclusion mean to you? What changes are needed to make humanitarian aid more effective, just, and accountable?
The answers are clear. Communities are ready and eager to speak directly with decision-makers. They’re calling for needs-based, two-way engagement and real influence over the decisions that affect their lives. But they’re also frustrated: most say they’ve never been included in decision-making processes, and many are losing trust as promises of participation go unfulfilled.
In this report, we share what people want from the humanitarian system and how we can make inclusion real, not just rhetoric.
Read the full findings and community-led recommendations.