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Managing and supporting spontaneous settlements

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Key points
  • Reorganizing, relocating or upgrading spontaneous settlements will require expert support and additional operational capacity.
  • Prompt assessment of alternative sites is crucial to protect persons of concern from hazards. Determine the appropriate strategy (support, relocate or move) as soon and carefully as possible. Poor decisions made at the start of an operation are difficult to reverse and have significant consequences as settlements evolve.
  • Pursue alternatives to camps whenever possible, while ensuring that persons of concern receive effective protection and assistance.
  • Involve local authorities and people of concern in the planning process. An adequate supply of water throughout the year is vital. The settlement's sanitation strategy should reflect the specific soil type at the site.
  • In all types of settlement, persons of concern should enjoy sufficient space for shelter and associated basic services. Reference Sphere 2018 p. 240 to 286.
  • The layout and organization of spontaneous settlements often reflect the priorities and preferences of their residents. These should be taken into consideration when upgrading or relocating.
  • They are often densely settled in the centre and sparsely settled on the edge, complicating efforts to establish communal facilities and infrastructure.
  • Once spontaneous settlements have been established, it is difficult to upgrade facilities (sanitation, power, etc.). Upgrading usually also causes the settled population to lose some resources and investment.

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