Settlement Typologies in Emergencies

1 - Settlement Considerations

This section looks at common settlement typologies and what needs to be considered to develop them to host affected people (either before their arrival, or if they have already settled in). Ensure that the following information is available and informs either the selection process of, or the development/expansion of new settlement:

• Spatial analysis that describes the availability, uses, and suitability of land.
• Evaluation of the carrying capacity of hosting areas, which is defined as the number of people, animals, or crops that a given territory can support. Site carrying capacity is therefore shaped largely by the available natural resources, their quality, and the competition to access them.
• The availability of natural resources and associated risks if they cannot be sustainably utilized: availability of water of acceptable quantity and quality; wood for construction and other needs.
• Feasibility of setting up supply chains and swift distribution of aid, including logistical facilities for transport of goods, airstrips, space for warehousing, etc.
• Market assessments, including local availability of construction materials, labour force, private sector companies that could be mobilized, etc.

2 - Overview of Settlement Typologies

Below is a brief overview of the main settlement typologies. They may have different characteristics based on whether they are in urban, peri-urban or rural areas.

2.1 Individual Accommodation in Communities

Access to spontaneous community support mechanisms can encourage self-reliance, independence and a sense of belonging. In this type of settlement, displaced people commonly rent apartments, or are hosted by relatives, friends, or people previously unknown. Usually, such arrangements entail that forcibly displaced live on land or in properties that are mostly owned by local people. While this may result in a rapid solution, shelters that are either rented or shared may not be adequate. The host population may have limited resources. Absorption capacity may be limited and competition for scarce resources may result in tensions and lack of peaceful coexistence. In these cases, support should be considered at both neighborhood level (e.g. through Quick Impact Project and area-based approaches), or at household level, to either the hosting family, or to the owner via shelter repairs/upgrades in exchange of a lower/free rent.

Additional information can be found in EHB section Alternatives to Camps.

2.2  Formal Settlements

Formal Settlements are a form of settlement specifically conceived to host people affected by crises and disasters. Refugees or IDPs living there receive centralised protection, humanitarian assistance, and other services from local governments and humanitarian actors. Formal settlements are designed and developed to offer basic services to its residents and have formal recognition/approval from the authorities. The term “Camp”, widely used among the humanitarian community, is one type of formal settlements.

Additional Information on formal settlements can be found under the EHB entry Formal Settlement Considerations.

2. 3 Informal Settlements

Informal settlements are characterized by

• Lack of tenure security, as people usually settle in a given area or building without prior formal authorization from the landowner or the government;
• Poor or non-existent basic services such as water, sanitation, solid waste management and electricity;
• May not comply with current planning and building regulations and is often situated in geographically and environmentally hazardous areas.

Due to their socio-economic vulnerability, forcibly displaced people may choose to settle in such self-identified sites. They can be scattered across large areas and can be rather mobile as evictions happen. As informal settlements are a wide phenomenon in urban settings in least developed contexts, forcibly displaced often decide to settle along the urban poor. Informal settlements can also emerge at the fringes of agricultural fields, where the owner of the land agrees for forcibly displaced to access part of the land to settle in exchange for (cheap/free) labour.

Some informal settlements, however, can be formalized and upgraded if the site is suitable and approval is granted by the authorities. In such instances, thorough consideration should be given to the impact of climate related risks and hazards, and the feasibility and cost to mitigate those risks, versus the option of resettling, before committing (usually large) resources. These processes can take a long time, depending on the context-specific complexities.

More information can be found in the EHB entry Informal Settlements.

2.4 Collective Centres

A variety of pre-existing buildings or structures may be used as collective centres - community centres, town halls, hotels, gymnasiums, warehouses, unfinished buildings, disused factories, farms, etc. These facilities are seldom fit for habitation and must be rehabilitated and/or upgraded to meet basic living conditions for affected people. Collective centres are usually used as short-term accommodation to gain time to provide more suitable shelter. They can quickly respond to shelter needs when a sudden and large-scale need for accommodation arises, rental markets are overwhelmed or unaffordable, or for persons with specific needs. Collective centres are intended to be of a temporary nature.

Additional information can be found in the EHB entry Collective Centres.

2.5 Transit Centers

A transit center is used at the beginning of an emergency to host forcibly displaced people pending transfer to a suitable formal settlement or individual private accommodation, or to return to areas of origin. They can be found:

• In the proximity of border crossing points;
• In inland locations that can facilitate further transfer to other locations of choice (train/bus stations, airports, etc.);
• scattered around safe areas near to other settlement typologies where forcibly displaced people may be redirected to (e.g. formal settlement, urban centers, etc.)

More information can be found on the entry on the Transit Centres.

3 - Shifting from camps and other forms of settlements to Human Settlements

A camp is a type of formal settlement which is usually imagined as a temporary solution to address the most immediate needs of forcibly displaced, with little opportunities for integration as freedom of movement may be limited, and opportunities for self-reliance and solutions are out of sight. However, in protracted situations as well as in cases where the displaced population may integrate with the nearby hosting community, a camp approach should be formulated toward a human settlement one, taking into consideration the long-term livelihood opportunities of the integrated community, as well as the gradual independence of the displaced population from external aid support. The Master Plan Approach is a good foundation to ensure that a camp can move to a more formal settlement that eventually evolves into an inclusive, integrated human settlement. The same concepts also apply to any other form of settlements (e.g. informal ones).

4 – Settlement typologies and most frequently used shelter solutions

The table below summarizes the various settlement options with associated shelter solutions as often found in many emergency contexts:

5 - Protection objectives valid across all settlement typologies

• Provide a safe and healthy living environment for forcibly displaced and stateless persons at settlement/community scale.
• Support self-reliance, allowing displaced persons to live constructive and dignified lives.
• Protect displaced persons from a range of risks, including eviction, exploitation and abuse, overcrowding, poor access to services, and hazards.
• With partners, local authorities and community-based organizations, discuss the right of persons of concern to stay in local communities and agree how they may be assisted most effectively.
• Ensure that host arrangements are sustainable and that hosted refugees do not put a strain on host families. Living conditions should remain adequate and hosting should not reduce access to services.

6 - Underlying principles and standards valid across all settlement typologies

• Settlement designs and developments should reflect the needs of persons of concern, their cultural habits and their capacities. An inclusive approach fosters ownership, improves maintenance of settlements and can generate information and support that may be crucial to a programme's success and sustainability. Thus, meaningful participation of persons of concern in accordance with UNHCR's Age, Gender and Diversity approach is essential.
• UNHCR Master Plan Approach to Settlement Planning Guiding Principles is a key reference when defining a settlement response.
• Settlement interventions need to be planned and implemented to mitigate, to the extent possible, the impact on the natural environment and to prevent risks resulting from hazard like landslides, floods and earthquakes, water scarcity, etc.
• Accessibility to land constitutes a fundamental element for the realization of the right to adequate housing and must also provide sustainable and non-discriminatory access to facilities essential for health, nutrition, security, and comfort.
• Displaced persons should be supported to become self-reliant, enabling them to contribute to their host country and find long-term solutions for themselves.
• Forcibly displaced and stateless persons should have access to essential services in all types of settlements. These services include water, sanitation, roads and infrastructure, community spaces, shelter, health, nutrition, education, food, and livelihoods.

7 - Protection Risks valid across all settlement typologies

• Prolonged stay in formal settlements or collective centres can result in stress and tensions and can lead to social conflicts. Developing settlements following the Master Plan Approach from the beginning is critical for the wellbeing of both host and displaced population.
• Relations with the host community as well as within forcibly displaced communities might deteriorate if the carrying capacity of settlements is overstretched and they have to share limited resources - for example, the depletion of water and firewood in adjacent areas.
• High population density significantly increases protection and health risks.
• Environmental contamination may cause health problems for residents and those living near them. Environmental damage, especially related to water and sanitation, is likely in the immediate vicinity of settlements. 

8 - Key considerations valid across all settlement typologies

• Displacement tends to last longer than expected: camps, formal and informal settlements are rarely occupied for short-term. Planners should always expect that once put in place, settlements are likely to exist over a long period of time. Service provision over that period of time is likely to remain the responsibility of humanitarian actors, and integration with local existing services will be challenging.  
• Seldom does one settlement option fit the needs of the entire displaced population. Explore the available options and solutions displaced persons may have already found and agree the most suitable settlement options, and humanitarian assistance plan, with the host government.
• Housing, Land and Property (HLP) regulations are often complex and difficult to navigate. Ensure you have the appropriate technical support to clarify HLP issues and processes.
• To reduce the risk of conflicts over land, from the start collaborate closely with local authorities, technical departments, and inform yourself of local rules and regulations on land tenure, public works and housing.
• Identify hazards (such as flooding, landslides, strong winds). If there are seismic risks, seek specialized technical advice.
• Conduct a cost benefit analysis of different settlement options, determine resource requirements, and establish priorities, to ensure that adequate human, financial and material resources will be available.
• Coordinate and liaise with other sectors, including protection, HLP, water and sanitation and livelihoods, to ensure solutions are integrated.
• Involve development actors as early as possible. Consider how both humanitarian and broader development objectives can be advanced by sharing information, plans, projections and other resources.
• Ensure that the emergency settlement response is implemented and managed by adequate expertise (in house or via partners). Consider deployment of skilled settlement officers at the onset of emergencies.

9 - Resources and partnerships

• Affected populations (forcibly displaced and hosting communities).
• Local and central authorities, municipalities.
• Community and religious leaders.
• National and international NGOs.
• Other UN and international organizations.