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Protection Cluster

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Key points
  • Contact the Global Protection Cluster Ops Cell within the Division of International Protection in UNHCR as soon as there is an indication that cluster activation will be discussed. Ensure the Protection Cluster is well-run, structured, staffed and capacitated at national and sub-national levels (at minimum, a protection cluster coordinator and information management officer for the Protection Cluster and its Areas of Responsibilities (AoRs)
  • Ensure coherence of action with the Areas of Responsibilities (AoRs) in coordination with their respective lead agencies, as well as with other clusters, in particular the UNHCR-led Shelter and CCCM clusters i.e., work to implement the UNHCR tri-cluster approach. Ensure the response always meets minimum standards
  • Act as provider of last resort. This means that, where necessary, and depending on access, security and availability of funding, UNHCR as the cluster lead, must be ready to ensure the provision of services required to fulfil crucial gaps identified by the cluster and reflected in the HC-led Humanitarian Response Plan. Acting as provider of last resort similarly applies to the AoRs for their respective areas
  • Ensure accountability to the crisis affected persons and communities and the Humanitarian coordinator on behalf of the Cluster. Ensure the voices of crisis affected persons and communities are heard, predictably and consistently
  • Promote the Centrality of Protection in the overall humanitarian action and on the pursuit of solutions by providing regular collective protection analysis briefings to Humanitarian County Teams (HCTs), at the inter-cluster level and to donors to ensure that protection risks and resulting needs of affected populations drive humanitarian strategies, advocacy and response plans; and by engaging and supporting other clusters in mainstreaming and integrating protection in their own analysis, strategies, and response and services. Assist the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC-HC) in preparing the HCT’s Protection Strategy. Lead the cluster effort on nexus with development, peace, and security actors

Post emergency phase

In situations of sudden-onset emergency, the review of cluster coordination architecture, transition and de-activation should take place within three months to ensure it is fit for purpose. The HC/HCT should ensure that clusters have developed an outline of a transition or de-activation strategy at 90 days after activation. In protracted crisis situations, the review should be done annually. More regular reviews are required if strategic response plans are revised to reflect changes in the humanitarian context. Where possible, reviews should be completed before the start of new strategic planning cycles. For cluster transition and deactivation, see IASC Reference Module for Cluster Coordination at Country Level.

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