- Effective counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) responses need to be threat-informed, context-specific, and adaptable. Rather than applying a single standardized approach to C-IED, states and their international assistance partners should use threat and capability assessments to identify priorities, sequence investments, and adapt responses as threats evolve.
- The effectiveness of C-IED efforts depends as much on governance and coordination as on technical and operational capabilities. Diverse relevant stakeholders need to be connected through clear institutional leadership, appropriate policy and legal frameworks, inter-agency coordination, information management, and mechanisms for learning and adaptation.
- Where improvised explosive device (IED) threats, and the systems enabling these threats, extend across borders, regional approaches can strengthen national C-IED responses. Regional organizations and frameworks, for example, can complement nationally led responses by supporting information exchange, joint or complementary threat analysis, cross-border cooperation and security initiatives, capacity development, and the sharing of expertise and lessons learned.
- The effectiveness of C-IED efforts should ultimately be measured by their contribution to reducing IED-related risks and harm. A humancentred approach supports operational C-IED efforts by integrating civilian protection, victim assistance, and community engagement; recognizing that impacts vary across population groups; and ensuring that C-IED actors safeguard civilians, act responsibly, and remain accountable.
- Reducing IED risks requires complementarity between C-IED and wider interventions, without amending the clear boundaries of its remit. Humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, governance, arms control, and security actors can complement the efforts of C-IED institutions to prevent and reduce IED-related risks, while preserving distinct mandates, comparative advantages, and humanitarian principles.
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