Key terms
- Camps/sites.
- The terms ‘camp’ or ‘site’ refer to a variety of temporary settlement options that include planned camps, self-settled camps, collective centres, reception centres, transit centres and evacuation centres. Because the word ‘camp’ is sensitive in many contexts, CCCM actors use a range of terms when referring to displacement settings. It is recognized that camps are not the solution to population displacement, but sometimes they offer the only available way to protect and assist a displaced population. The CCCM sector does not advocate the establishment of camps.
- Camp administration.
- Camp administrations fulfil the functions of government or national authorities in camps and camp activities.
- Camp management.
- Camp management coordinates and monitors services, protection and assistance on one camp or site, in compliance with the relevant national and international legal protection frameworks and minimum humanitarian standards. It encourages active and meaningful participation by the displaced population. Camp management is both technical and social in that it strives to provide appropriate living conditions (through inter-agency coordination at camp level) and sustain social inclusiveness and dignity (through participation, feedback and governance structures). Camp management may be undertaken by humanitarian actors (UNHCR, IOM, INGOs, national NGOs), civil society organizations, private sector institutions, or the government or national authorities.
- Camp coordination.
- Camp coordination is responsible for coordinating the response between sites, and provides access to, and delivers, humanitarian services and protection at sites that host displaced populations. It coordinates roles and responsibilities in the overall humanitarian displacement response, and is led by UNHCR and/or IOM, often in tandem with national authorities. The CCCM Cluster (in IDP situations) or Sector Lead Agency (in refugee situations) strives to deliver an effective and efficiently coordinated humanitarian response in situations where displaced populations are forced to seek refuge in temporary settlements. It improves living conditions during displacement, provides assistance and protection, seeks durable solutions to end temporary displacement, and finally manages the organized closure and phase-out of sites that have hosted displaced populations. The lead agency or cluster seeks to end displacement of persons by promoting durable solutions. IOM and UNHCR co-lead the Global CCCM Clusters for natural disaster and conflict-induced IDP situations respectively, as well as other clusters in the field, often in tandem with national authorities.
- Evacuation centres
- are buildings used to provide temporary shelter for persons fleeing a specific and immediate threat, such as fighting, or a natural hazard, such as a cyclone or an earthquake. Schools, sports arenas and religious or civic buildings are often used for this purpose. Wherever possible, emergency evacuation centres should be identified and prepared before disasters occur.
- Local preparedness committees
- are community- based or government response structures that oversee disaster preparedness measures.