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

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

Components of Distribution Systems

General Considerations

6. The ideal distribution system should be safe and easily accessible to the intended beneficiaries.

Safe: Distribution should be organized in such a way that the system is safe for all who use it. Particular attention should be given to women and the vulnerable;

Accessible: Distribution points should be close to where people live and located so that the access of particular groups is not restricted. The timing of distributions should suit the beneficiaries.

7. The refugees themselves can provide the most effective monitoring and control of the distribution system. In order to do this they must be informed as to the type and quantity of commodities to be distributed and method and timing to be used.

A system needs to be put in place whereby the refugees can be continuously informed of changes in the quantity, type or method Of distributions.

8. In the early stages of a new operation, particularly in large emergencies, effective control over distribution may not be possible. However, from the start, each action taken should contribute to a process whereby control by UNHCR is progressively established. For example the provision of plastic sheeting, tents and other shelter material is very important because it reduces the mobility of the population. Once it is issued, the population can settle and commodity distribution and other services will be easier to organize.

Refugee Involvement

9. Ensure the refugees are well informed (both women and men). They must know what they should receive, how much, when and how. This information should come to them directly rather than through their leadership.

The refugees should be able to see the distribution process for themselves as they are the best monitors and controllers of the process.

Ensure that the refugees participate at all levels of the distribution process. However, be aware of the dangers of non-representational leadership (see chapter 7 on coordination and site level organisation).

10. Irregularities in the distribution cycle undermine the confidence of the beneficiaries and increase their need to circumvent the system.

Logistical Considerations

11. In camps, the distribution system should allow beneficiaries to collect rations close to where they live (not more than 5 km away) and at regular monthly intervals. For dispersed populations refugees should not have to travel more than 5 to 10 km to distribution sites.

12. In the case of food distribution, it is usually preferable to distribute dry uncooked rations in bulk. Avoid mass cooked food distribution for the general ration (see chapter 15 on food and nutrition).

Managerial Considerations

13. Distributing relief commodities involves several organizations and many individuals, for example, the government, WFP and NGOs. Co-ordination structures must be put in place, including regular meetings of all interested parties. The frequency of these meetings will depend on the situation. At the start of an emergency daily meetings will probably be needed. As the situation normalizes the frequency of meetings can be reduced to one per month.

14. It is important to understand the roles and responsibilities of the main actors involved at various stages of commodity distribution. In the case of food distribution the modalities of distribution as well as the reporting requirements are set out in a tripartite agreement between UNHCR, WFP and the implementing partner. The respective roles of UNHCR and WFP in relation to food aid are set out in their Memorandum of Understanding (Appendix 3). See Chapter 15 on food and nutrition for more information on food distribution and on of the role of WFP.

15. The family, as a basic social unit, is the target of distribution. This applies to food and non-food items. Providing assistance to and through families is effective as the basis for the distribution system and also supports the family unit. However this does not mean that the ration has to be handed to each family directly. In some situations distribution can be more effective through groups of families or other community structures.

16. Avoid payment in kind to distribution workers. It makes monitoring difficult and, in times of shortages, vulnerable people may be deprived of commodities in order to pay staff.

17. In camps, aim to have at least 1 distribution site per 20,000 refugees.

18. Plan to have a minimum of 2 distribution staff per 1,000 beneficiaries.