Protection leadership in a changing world — with Ruven Menikdiwela

What does it really mean to lead on protection during today’s humanitarian crises?

In the first episode of Protection Leadership, Panos Moumtzis is joined by Ruven Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees at UNHCR, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving realities of refugee protection and humanitarian leadership.

Together, they explore the growing pressure on the international protection system, from governments questioning the relevance of the 1951 Refugee Convention, to the complex realities of mixed migration, shrinking humanitarian resources, and long-term displacement crises.

“Everything we do has protection at its core.” – Ruven Menikdiwela

Drawing on more than 30 years of frontline and leadership experience, Ruven shares practical insights on advocacy, coalition-building, and getting things done in complex operational environments, while keeping the most vulnerable at the centre of decision-making.

Key Takeaways

Advocacy Must Offer Solutions, Not Just Problems

Effective protection advocacy requires empathy and realism. Ruven explains why engaging governments means understanding their constraints and pairing principled positions with practical, feasible solutions, rather than simply escalating concerns.

Protection Is Central to All Humanitarian Action

Protection goes far beyond legal frameworks. From how camps are designed and lit, to education access and registration systems, protection principles must shape every operational decision to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Courage, Prioritisation, and Partnerships Matter More Than Ever

With humanitarian funding under increasing strain, leaders must embrace hyper-prioritisation, clear messaging, and strong coalitions. Data-driven advocacy and coordinated diplomacy are essential to ensure those most at risk are not left behind.

Timestamps

(00:00) Introducing Ruven Menikdiwela and UNHCR’s protection mandate

(05:36) Refugee obligations and today’s migration challenges

(08:14) Simplifying humanitarian coordination systems

(12:07) Protection beyond basic services

(14:39) UN reform and coordination evolution

(16:24) Focused humanitarian strategies in Ukraine

(22:19) Evolving refugee policies and inclusion

(25:58) Government approaches to refugee transfers

(27:56) Advocacy through empathy and solutions

(32:11) Sexual violence as a weapon of war

(35:51) Principles of unified humanitarian diplomacy

(39:46) Protecting refugees through strategic advocacy

(42:15) Why protection is simply common sense

(44:11) Advocating for detained asylum seekers

Guest Bio: Ruven Menikdiwela

Ruven Menikdiwela is the Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees at UNHCR. She brings over three decades of experience working with and for refugees, having held senior leadership roles, including UNHCR Representative in Pakistan and Thailand.

An expert in international refugee law, Ruven has served in multiple critical legal and protection-focused positions since joining UNHCR in 1988. Her career has been defined by a commitment to principled yet pragmatic protection leadership across complex humanitarian contexts.

Discover More about Ruven

Find Ruven on LinkedIn