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

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

Annexes

Annex 1 - Checklist for Initial Assessment

This checklist is based on a refugee influx, it should be modified in the light of the actual nature of the emergency.

Who are the refugees, their numbers, and pattern of arrival

Approximately how many refugees are there?

Where have the refugees come from? Why?

What is the rate of arrival? Is it likely to increase or decrease? a What is the total number likely to arrive?

What is the location of the arrival points and of the sites where people are settling (latitude and longitude)?

Are the refugees arriving as individuals or in groups? Are these family groups, clans, tribal, ethnic or village groups?

Are families, village groups and communities intact?

How are the refugees organized? Are there group or community leaders?

How are the refugees travelling - on foot, in vehicles?

What is the gender ratio of the population?

What is the age profile of the population? Can a breakdown in age be given - under five's, age 5 to 17 years, 18 years and over?

How many unaccompanied minors are there? What is their condition?

What was the social and economic situation of the refugees prior to their flight? What are their skills and languages? What is their ethnic and cultural background?

Are there individuals or groups with special social problems? Are there particular groups made more vulnerable by the situation? (e.g. the disabled, separated minors or elderly people in need of support)

What are the basic diet, shelter, and sanitation practices of the refugees?

What is the security situation within the population - is there a need for separation between different groups, are there armed groups within the population?

What is the formal legal status of the refugees?

Characteristics of the location

What are the physical characteristics of the area where the refugees are located?

What is the soil, topography and drainage?

Is there enough space for those there and those likely to arrive?

Is there all season accessibility?

Can the refugees access relief assistance from where they are located?

What is the vegetation cover?

Will the refugees need to use wood for fuel and shelter?

Approximately how many people already live in the local area?

Who owns (or has usage rights on) the land?

Is there grazing land and are there potential areas for cultivation?

What is the actual or likely impact on the local population and what is their attitude and that of the local authorities towards the refugees?

Are there security problems?

What environmental factors must be taken into account (e.g. fragility of the local environment and extent to which local community relies on it; how rapidly might it be degraded by the refugees, proximity to protected areas)?

What is the condition of the local population? If assistance is provided to the refugees, should the local population also be assisted?

Health status and basic problems

Are there significant numbers of sick or injured persons, is there excess mortality?

Are there signs of malnutrition?

Do the refugees have access to sufficient quantities of safe water?

Do the refugees have food stocks, for how long will they last?

Do the refugees have adequate shelter?

Are adequate sanitary facilities available?

Do the refugees have basic domestic items?

Is there sufficient fuel for cooking and heating?

Resources, spontaneous arrangements and assistance being delivered

What type and quantity of possessions have the refugees brought with them?

What arrangements have the refugees already made to meet their most immediate needs?

What assistance is already being provided by the local population, the government, UN organizations and other organizations, is the assistance adequate, sustainable?

Is the present assistance likely to increase, continue, decrease?

What is the government's policy on assistance to the refugees?

Are there any major constraints likely to affect an assistance operation?

Has contingency planning for this type of emergency been undertaken?

What coordination arrangements are required?

Means to Deliver Protection and Assistance

Can effective implementing arrangements be made quickly and locally, if not, what are the alternatives?

Is there already an identified refugee leadership with whom it will be possible to coordinate the delivery of protection and assistance?

What are the logistical needs and how can they be met?

Where will the necessary supplies come from?

How will they reach the refugees?

What storage is needed, where and how?

Are there essential items which can only be obtained outside the region and whose early supply will be of critical importance (e.g. food, trucks?)

What are the needs for UNHCR and implementing partner staff and staff support?