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Cluster Approach

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Key points
  • The cluster approach is activated by the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) at the request of the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, and with the endorsement of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Principals, including the High Commissioner, as coordination architecture for non-refugee humanitarian emergencies. In refugee situations, coordination is guided by the Refugee Coordination Model (RCM); clusters are not activated in refugee situations
  • All clusters have lead organisations, known as Cluster Lead Agencies, which operate at the global and country levels. UNHCR leads the Global Protection Cluster; co-leads with IFRC the Global Shelter Cluster and with IOM the Global CCCM Cluster (UNHCR comes in when conflict causes displacement; IFRC and IOM when disaster causes displacement). Global Cluster Lead Agencies act as a “provider of last resort” in their respective cluster
  • At country level, inter-agency cluster-based responses are led by the Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) through the Cluster Lead Agencies. Cluster coordinators provide sector-specific strategic directions and operational coordination. UNHCR also leads the protection cluster when disasters induce displacement, provided it has a presence, is requested to do so by the government, and there is inter-agency agreement
  • The UNHCR Representative actively participates in the HCT, representing both the agency and the cluster(s) UNHCR leads. Through the UNCT or HCT, UNHCR participates in deliberations on country cluster activation

Post emergency phase

IASC cluster deactivation can take place for a single cluster or several. It may occur after a coordination architecture review, or after other events in the country reduce the need for humanitarian response. Cluster deactivation must always be based on an assessment of national capacity and consideration of the context. The criteria for deactivation must be met, i.e.: (i) The humanitarian situation improves, significantly reducing humanitarian needs and associated response and coordination gaps and/or (ii) national structures acquire sufficient capacity to coordinate and meet residual humanitarian needs in line with humanitarian principles.

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