Community Liaison Assistants (CLAs) are national staff of peacekeeping operations who act as a bridge between the United Nations and the local communities. CLAs are critical enablers for UN protection of civilians (POC) work. Their knowledge of the local language and context are key assets for peacekeepers for engaging with local populations and understanding the threats they face. CLAs also help in trust building, gathering early warning information, and creating a protective environment, which ultimately enhance the ability of UN peacekeepers to protect civilians.
