Handbook for Emergencies - Second Edition (UNHCR, 1999, 414 p.): 13. Commodity Distribution: Overview

Handbook for Emergencies - Second Edition (UNHCR, 1999, 414 p.)

(introduction...)

Using the Handbook

Introduction

Abbreviations

UNHCR's Mission Statement

1. Aim and Principles of Response

(introduction...)

Definition and Aim

Responsibilities

Principles of Response

2. Protection

(introduction...)

Introduction

Protection in Emergencies

Initial Actions

Physical Safety of Refugees

Emergencies as a Result of Changes in Government Policy

Other Persons of Concern to UNHCR

Durable Solutions

Key References

Annexes

3. Emergency Management

(introduction...)

Introduction

The Key Emergency Management Functions

Stages in Refugee Emergency Operations

Key References

4. Contingency Planning

(introduction...)

Introduction

Planning as a Process

Contingency Planning Tasks

Characteristics of a Good Plan

Key References

Annexes

5. Initial Assessment, Immediate Response

(introduction...)

Introduction

Organizing the Assessment

Immediate Response

Protection and Material Assistance

Key References

Annexes

6. Operations Planning

(introduction...)

Introduction

Operations Planning Tasks

Allocation of Responsibilities

Annexes

7. Coordination and Site Level Organization

(introduction...)

Coordination

Organization at the Site Level

Key References

Annexes

8. Implementing Arrangements

(introduction...)

Introduction

Implementing Arrangements

Implementing Procedures

Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation

Special Considerations

Key References

Annexes

9. External Relations

(introduction...)

Relations with Government and Diplomatic Corps

Relations with the Media

Funding and Donor Relations

Formal Written Communications

Annexes

10. Community Services and Education

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organizing Community Services

Human Resources

Family Tracing and Reunification

Groups at Risk and Vulnerable Groups

Education

Key References

Annexes

11. Population Estimation and Registration

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Population Estimates

Registration

Key References

Annexes

12. Site Selection, Planning and Shelter

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organization of Response

Criteria for Site Selection

Site Planning: General Considerations

Site Planning: Specific Infrastructure

Shelter

Reception and Transit Camps

Public Buildings and Communal Facilities

13. Commodity Distribution

(introduction...)

Overview

When to start distribution

Choosing a Commodity Distribution System

Components of Distribution Systems

The Role of Refugee Women

Monitoring

Key References

14. Health

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Health Assessment, Planning, Monitoring and Surveillance

Main Health Programmes

Organization of Refugee Health Care

Human Resources and Coordination

Key References

Annexes

15. Food and Nutrition

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organization of Food Support

Nutritional Assessments

General Feeding Programme

Selective Feeding Programmes

Infant Feeding and use of Milk Products

Key References

Annexes

16. Water

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Assessment and Organization

The Need

Immediate Response

Water Supply Systems

Water Sources

Pumping Equipment

Treatment

Storage

Distribution

Key References

17. Environmental Sanitation

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Basic Principles And Standards

Human Resources And Organization

Human Excretia Disposal

Solid Wastes

Wastewater

Pest and Vector Control

General Hygiene

Disposal Of The Dead

Key References

Annexes

18. Supplies and Transport

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organization of the Supply Chain

Supplies

Transport

Reception of Goods

Storage

Stock Management

Key References

Annexes

19. Voluntary Repatriation

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

UNHCR's Role in Voluntary Repatriation

Conditions For a Voluntary Repatriation

On Route

On Arrival in Country of Origin

Key References

Annexes

20. Administration, Staffing and Finance

(introduction...)

Introduction

Emergency Staffing

Budget and Finance

Non-Expendable Property and Office Supplies

Office Premises

Official Transport

Office Organization

Key References

Annexes

21. Communications

(introduction...)

Introduction

Communications Management

Telecommunications

UNHCR Telecommunications Network Field Preparations

Key References

Annexes

22. Coping with Stress

(introduction...)

Introduction

Identifying Stress Symptoms

Techniques for dealing with Stress

Key References

23. Staff Safety

(introduction...)

Introduction

The UN Security System

Essential Plans

Security

Security Management

Key References

24. Working with the Military

(introduction...)

Introduction

Categories of Military Forces

Possible Roles of Military Forces in Humanitarian Operations

Coordination Between Military Forces and Civilian Agencies

Key References

Appendix 1 - Catalogue of Emergency Response Resources

Appendix 2 - Toolbox

Appendix 3 - Memoranda

Appendix 4 - Glossary

Overview

Situation

Emergency situations are characterized by an urgent need to distribute life sustaining commodities such as food, shelter materials, cooking implements and fuel. The fair distribution of commodities is often problematic and groups and individuals from among the refugees can use the confusion of the emergency to obtain unfair control over the resources which are distributed.

Objectives

To provide life-sustaining commodities to the refugee families, fairly, according to specified rations, selection criteria and priorities.

Principles of response

· The design of the distribution system should be based on a thorough understanding of the social structure of the refugees;

· The refugees should be kept continuously informed on the design of the distribution system, on the timing of distributions and on the quantity of commodities to be distributed;

· All groups among the refugees should be appropriately involved in the design and operation of the distribution system. Particular care must be taken to involve women;

· The family as the basic social unit plays the key role in meeting basic needs of individuals, therefore, the family unit should be the target of commodity distribution;

· The commodity distribution cycle should be regular and predictable. Irregularities in the distribution cycle increases the tendency of the refugees to circumvent the system.

Action

· Use community services structures (or set up new structures if necessary) to consult the refugees on the design and operation of the commodity distribution system;

· Select and implement a commodity distribution system;

· Set up a system by which information on the operation of the commodity distribution system can be regularly conveyed to the mass of the refugees;

· Allow the refugees themselves to monitor the fairness of the distribution system.

Introduction

· Distribution passes control over a commodity to the intended beneficiaries. Distribution must be fair, and commodities must be distributed according to specified rations, selection criteria and priorities;

· Distribution must be monitored to ensure that it is fair and reaches vulnerable groups;

· However ingenious the distribution system devised, it is unlikely to work fairly without the support of the refugees themselves;

· UNHCR's distribution systems should provide material assistance to and through families.

1. The principles in the chapter apply to the distribution of both food and non-food items, although food often forms the bulk of the commodities distributed. This chapter provides brief guidance on the subject. The handbook "Commodity Distribution: A Practical Guide For Field Staff" is essential reading for those who plan to set up and run a commodity distribution system (see Key References at the end of the chapter).