Annex: A tool for resettlement assistance planning

People-Oriented Assessment and Planning

A useful tool for assistance planners has been developed by UNHCR. It is a "framework" or perspective which uncovers the most important issues to be addressed in programs to aid the displaced. Originally designed to improve the access of displaced women and their participation in programs, it also addresses the needs of children and increases the opportunities for displaced people to assume responsibility for their own management and to optimize use of available resources.

When persons are displaced, their normal social and economic roles are disrupted. Their roles and responsibilities may change constantly from the moment of displacement into the final stages of recovery. Even if roles stabilize in long-term displacement, the roles may still be thought of as temporary and are adjusted as changes occur in the new location. It is vital to understand the dynamics of the changes in a society as they will determine the acceptance and success of any project. Even when return to the place of origin is possible, the situation there is likely to have changed and will require adjustment by the returnees.

There are three major ground rules for people-oriented planning.

· Displaced persons must participate. As mentioned in the text of this module, participation by the displaced men, women and children, is a major factor in determining whether or not a project will be successful.

· Conduct a socio-economic analysis for any project whether it is food distribution, water and sanitation, agriculture, health or social services. This prevents omission of some people from the program because their time or roles keep them from participating (particularly women and children).

· Do not make assumptions based on your own perceptions or stereotypes. Get first hand information from the displaced about their past and current situations.

There are three components of the people-oriented analytical framework:

· Displaced Population Profile and Context Analysis - A demographic assessment will reveal the population profile, or how many families, individuals, male and females, and vulnerable people make up the group. The context analysis then delves deeper to find out factors which affect behavior such as community norms, social hierarchy, religious beliefs, nature of the government, economic conditions, political events, legal parameters, perceived attitudes of other towards them and their attitudes toward relief workers.

· Activities Analysis — Two basic questions are important here: What were the displaced doing before? and, What are they doing now? These questions focus on all domestic, social and political activities, how often and where they were performed and who carried out the major activities. These questions are crucial in terms of protection to find out how community members traditionally protected each other and how that might have changed.

· Use and Control of Resources Analysis — It is necessary to find out what resources people controlled and used before they were displaced and what resources they control and use now. It is important to distinguish between controlled and used, for example, while displaced persons may have owned land before, they may only be able to use someone else's land now. Resources include skills, cultural ties, time, labor, education, etc.

Applying the framework. The above questions help to determine the best response to meet needs of the displaced population both in emergency situations and for resettlement and recovery. It helps assistance agencies be alert to variables concerning age, gender and family status and reminds planners that displaced persons are active, productive and resourceful individuals rather than passive victims. It also provides a structure for organizing information and choosing the best program design. For more details on the process see these references:

Anderson, Mary B., Ann M Howarth (Brazeau) and Catherine Overholt, "A Framework for People-Oriented Planning in Refugee Situations Taking Account of Women, Men and Children, A Practical Planning Tool for Refugee Workers" UNHCR, Geneva, December, 1992.

Emergency Needs and Resources Assessment Training Module, UNHCR, Geneva.

Disaster Management Training Programme

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