Handbook for Emergencies - Second Edition (UNHCR, 1999, 414 p.): 5. Initial Assessment, Immediate Response: Introduction

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

Introduction

1. Emergency assistance must be based on a sound, though rapid, assessment of the refugees' most immediate problems and needs and the resources available to meet those needs.

2. The objective of the initial problem analysis and needs assessment is to provide UNHCR with a clear and concise picture of the emergency situation, in both quantitative and qualitative terms. It should provide enough information to predict the evolution of the emergency, at least in the short term. It is the basis for decisions which affect the future of the operation.

More detailed assessments will follow as the emergency develops and needs evolve: assessment never stops.

The initial and subsequent assessments are intricately linked with, and will form the basis for, operations planning. The initial assessment will also build on the contingency planning process.

4. The initial assessment should:

Answer the questions "what is the main problem?" and "is there an emergency or not?";

Provide sufficient information to decide whether UNHCR should be involved in the emergency response and what the scope of that involvement should be;

Be an inter-agency initiative, but with one body providing the overall coordination. The team should include staff from UNHCR, the government and other potential partners (for example other UN agencies, NGOs). Ideally the inter-agency body used for contingency planning should provide the basis for the group carrying out a simple problem and needs assessment. Often the people carrying out the initial assessment will simultaneously be providing the initial response. Whenever possible, the assessment team should include those who will implement the emergency operation in the field;

Be carried out quickly;

Provide a full picture of the scope of the emergency, rather than focus on a limited area or sector (it is better to get the whole picture half right);

Describe the people affected by the emergency (a simple demographic profile);

Identify the coping ability of the refugees themselves;

Identify locally available resources;

Identify what are the most immediate priorities;

Use agreed and appropriate standards against which needs can be measured;

Involve the refugees, women and men, from the outset. Get to know them and understand their concerns. They are a key source of information;

Record the sources of information collected;

Cross-check information, not relying on only one tool (e.g. aerial surveys cross-checked by on the ground observations and interviews);

Involve appropriate technical input;

Use samples and surveys rather than collect too much detailed information which is difficult to analyze;

Produce recommendations for immediate action indicating the resources needed to implement them;

Be able to trigger an immediate and effective response;

Have the results shared promptly and widely.

5. The assessment should, as a minimum, answer the questions in the checklist in Annex 1. This includes essential minimum information required for planning an emergency operation.

6. The initial assessment should focus on the priority life threatening problems which are usually in the sectors of protection, water, food, sanitation, shelter and health. The assessment should measure the actual condition of the refugees against what is needed for their survival and immediate well-being (expressed as "standards"). The resources at their disposal should also be assessed.

The setting of standards appropriate for the situation is an important prerequisite for needs assessment.

7. Standards provide a benchmark against which the condition of the refugees can be measured (see Appendix 2 for some of the minimum survival standards). The standards established for emergency assistance must be consistent with the aim of ensuring the survival and basic well-being of the refugees, be fairly applied for all refugees and be respected by all involved.

8. The document Initial Assessment in Emergency Situations: a Practical Guide for Field Staff (see references) includes more detailed checklists for assessments, and contains practical information on principles, planning, techniques, methods, and forms. See also chapter 6 on operations planning for an example of a Gap Identification Chart, a useful tool for comparing needs and resources.