This paper discusses the reasons for and implications of the recent prominence of civilian protection activities in humanitarian action and analyses the increasing role of non-specialist humanitarian agencies in this sphere. Drawing on three case studies conducted in Darfur, Colombia and Uganda, the paper recommends that each humanitarian organisation, at a minimum, adopts a ‘core commitment’ to protection. This core commitment encompasses mainstreaming protection into their relief operations, as well as the facility to respond to protection incidents encountered during the provision of assistance.