Technical Guidance → Settlement in emergencies

Settlement in emergencies

Natural disasters and conflicts force people to flee their homes. Temporary or permanent resettlement is then needed to facilitate assistance to, and ensure adequate protection of, those affected.

Staying with host families or resettlement of people on their own land is the best option. Camps or temporary settlements should be a last resort.

If temporary settlement is necessary:

• Involve representatives of displaced populations and host communities in the settlement planning process.
• Settle locally displaced populations on sites that are suitable for permanent resettlement to enable a prompt return to normal life.
• Ensure there is clear understanding and appropriate written agreements between government representatives, land owners, displaced populations and host communities over mutual entitlements, responsibilities and land access or ownership rights.
• Maintain regular contact and coordinate with coordinating bodies such as the Camp Management Camp Coordination (CCCM) cluster, government and other agencies involved in the provision of basic services e.g. Health, Water, Sanitation, Education
   

Site identification

Identifying an appropriate site and reaching the necessary agreements can be time consuming and needs to be considered as an early priority bearing in mind:

• Impact on host community and ability to absorb refugees or IDPs;
• Sensitivity of host communities to new groups, e.g. religion, culture, impact on their resources, and livelihoods;
• Security and protection of all, e.g. proximity to conflict or borders
• Security and protection needs of women, children, elderly, risk of sexual gender based violence (SGBV);
• Access to basic services e.g. water, sanitation, schools, health, religious, recreational, and community facilities;
• Access to land, markets, and means of making a living;
• Access to natural resources e.g. for fuel, construction;
• Communications and freedom of movement e.g. roads, bridges;
• Restoration of family or localised community groups.
• Vulnerability to future disasters e.g. flooding, landslides, spread of disease
   

Site surveys