A case study of a multisectoral approach to dignified temporary shelter in protracted displacement in northwest Syria.
Multisectoral approach
“Shelter, and the larger concept of settlement, are inextricably linked and should be addressed as a whole rather than separately.”
ECHO’s thematic policy document on shelter and settlements
“Recognizing that humanitarian activities are broader than solely addressing the immediate needs of the affected population and should include support to essential services through water, sanitation, health, education, and shelter early recovery projects.“
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2585 (2021)
Dignified and safer shelter responses
1.7 million people live in 1400 unplanned sites. In 2021, 400 sites flooded and in 2022 a severe snowstorm hit the region and caused massive damages. After 11 years of conflict, a new approach to humanitarian shelter responses is required.
Benefits of a multisectoral approach
•Ensures reduction in inequalities and contributes to social cohesion.
•Generates collective response that addresses overarching needs.
•Reduces the risk of secondary displacement.
•Reduces the risk of Gender Based Violence and increase safety for female residents.
•Needs across multiple sectors and populations are addressed and no communities are left behind.
•Works with existing governance systems and strengthens the capacity of local actors.
•Promotes neutrality, impartiality and improves trust between stakeholders.
•By addressing wider needs, the approach can improve relations between communities.
•By addressing wider needs, the approach can improve relations between communities.
•Clarity on how to provide a multisectoral assistance to the most affected communities.
•Improves communication between sectors and enables quicker adaption to evolving needs.
•Focuses resources on community needs looking beyond emergency responses.
•A pathway to early recovery interventions.
Achieving a dignified and safer shelter response with RHU
A case study of how the “Technical Annex: Dignified and Safer Living conditions”* can be applied.
•Identify vulnerable communities and sites
•Map locations and boundaries
•Ensure that boundaries consider vulnerable or marginalized populations
•Understand the context of the community
•Understand stakeholder dynamics through stakeholder mapping
•Engage other sectors and clusters like CCCM, Early Recovery, Education, Health, Protection and WASH
•Collect primary data on capacities and vulnerabilities
•Identify an agency to lead the multisectoral response planning, and agree on priority needs and identified gaps
•Understand policies or programs that may already in place
•Agree on a timeframe for implementing the multisectoral response plan, and share the plan beyond the target community
•Strengthen community representation for feedback, technical coordination, and monitoring
•Identify roles and responsibilities for implementing and monitoring
•Implement in collaboration with local stakeholders and other clusters
•Use joint monitoring and analysis
for implementation and coordination
•Link camp-level collaboration
to the wider coordination, technical support and decision-making
Boundaries were jointly identified.
Planning Shelter, WASH, Early Recovery, Education, Health, CCCM and Protection.
Service and site planning, excavation, gravelling and a raised foundation that minimizes need for later flood mitigations and reduces secondary displacement.
Integrated water and drainage systems as part of the site planning and household individual facilities.
Lockable door, lighting and access to livelihoods and services provided more protection for vulnerable. Coordination with CCCM and monitoring of several sectors made residents feel safer than before.
The innovative modular design of the RHU was used to create additional services to address needs in Education, Health, Livelihood and Protection.
Multi-cluster evaluations conducted and shared for best practice and measurement of impact.
Impact of RHU programs in Northwest Syria
RHUs supported a more settled population. While RHUs are not permanent, PDMs showed that residents felt safer and onward movement in search of a better and more secure location was almost totally eliminated in RHU camps.
“I believe it is time to stop using tents. These shelters are delivering dignity and protection in addition to providing a better shelter. Everything around the world is improving to the better and it is time for the humanitarian community to think outside the box”.
Yakzan Shishakly, CEO of Maram Foundation for Relief & Development
“At least 40% of houses in Syria are uninhabitable, either destroyed or damaged. It is heart warming to see houses – even if temporary – being set up for people who lived in tents for years. I hope RHUs will provide them a semblance of home“
Wojtek Wilk, CEO of The Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM)
Our work in the Middle East and North Africa
From Syria and Iraq, to Jordan and Yemen, we have committed to supporting the most vulnerable populations in the Middle East since the very beginning of our organisation. Take a closer look at our projects in this region below.
Contact us
Contact our team for more information about our projects in Northwest Syria, the Middle East and North Africa, and to learn more about our support and technical assistance.
Antony Merjan
Partnerships Manager (MENA, Asia and the Pacific)
Tim de Haas
Head of Technology